What racket to buy? Suggestions

[Cara]

Hello all,

I'm a 35 year old 5.0 woman with big serve and hard groundstrokes. My game is more aggressive, I don't like to exchange many balls. I play singles and doubles. I currently play with the Wilson Blade 98L. I like the racquet a lot, but I feel that it's a little light (10.1 oz) for the type of game I'm playing. Recently I have had some shoulder issues. Tendonitis, but I still play 3-4x week. Thinking of switching rackets, would like to try something heavier. Any suggestions on what I should demo?

Thank you in advance,
Cara

 

[Tour_G]

If you like your current racquet but you find it too light, the cheapest option is to lead it up.
If you don't want to do this, you can buy the heavier version, the standard Blade 16x19 CV, which I think, will help you with your pain because of the increased weight plus the dampened feel due to Countervail.
Another option, prioritizing comfort, is the new Clash, but I'm not sure if it'll suit your aggressive playing style.

 

[Fxanimator1]

I second the above post....the Blade 98 16x19 is exactly like what you’re used to, but heavier, and in my
opinion, feels better than the light version ( my 13 year old uses the Blade 98L) so I have indeed tried it.
I will also state, that I added 16gms into the handle of my Blade 98 racquets.

 

[AMGF]

A leather grip and lead at 3 and 9 would transform your actual frame.

If do not want to do that, I’d also suggest to just get the regular Blade.

 

[Cara]

Thank you so much for the replies. I’ll definitely try the standard Blade and see how that feels. I was thinking about the EZONE 98 as well. Any thoughts on that racquet?

 

[hurworld]

Thank you so much for the replies. I’ll definitely try the standard Blade and see how that feels. I was thinking about the EZONE 98 as well. Any thoughts on that racquet?

Would likely have different feel from your 98L due to more head-light. But do demo both of them and see which one you like more. TW allows you to demo up to 4 racquets in one go.

 

[Crocodile]

Pro Kennex Q Plus Tour 315 will hit a heavier ball and help your shoulder heal. I don't like the way the current blades are balanced for your shoulder.
Another option I would try would be the Angell K7 red and Prince Textreme 100p 310.

 

[Tour_G]

Thank you so much for the replies. I’ll definitely try the standard Blade and see how that feels. I was thinking about the EZONE 98 as well. Any thoughts on that racquet?

I have the V Core 98 which is similar to the Ezone 98 and it's a good frame, nice blend between power, control and comfort, but I personally like more, heavy, control oriented racquets with denser string pattern.
I think you can't go wrong with a Yonex, they really make good quality racquets.
But first, demo it if you can, and the most important thing for me is to define what you are looking for into your new racquet that your current one doesn't provide. And from that point, start to search possible racquets.

 

[Dartagnan64]

Thank you so much for the replies. I’ll definitely try the standard Blade and see how that feels. I was thinking about the EZONE 98 as well. Any thoughts on that racquet?

I'd probably recommend the VCORE over the EZONE. I think it is a little closer to the Blade in power and control characteristics.

 

[FedGR]

Are you sure a heavier racket is not going to create more load/stress on your shoulder? Maybe now is not the right time to do it? I've heard a lot of people reducing shoulder pain by going to a lighter racket but not many going to a heavier racket.

Racket wise, as people suggested before, you can look at the regular Blades, maybe an IG Radical MP (strung low), TC97 is also a nice racket. Lots of options. The G360 Speed MP is also a great all-around racket. Demo as many as possible and choose!

 

[Chezbeeno]

I would also suggest trying the regular Blade. I've very much been enjoying the Clash as well, as someone mentioned above, though, it might not be the best suited for an aggressive style of play, but my experience with it so far (as well as the comments of some other posters) has led me to believe that if you were to add some lead to the regular Clash it could be a really comfortable racquet that would be well-suited for an aggressive player. Obviously you can't demo a Clash with lead, though, so it would be tougher to determine if that would be a good option than some other stock frames you might like.

 

[n8dawg6]

Thank you so much for the replies. I’ll definitely try the standard Blade and see how that feels. I was thinking about the EZONE 98 as well. Any thoughts on that racquet?

the ezone is pretty different from the blade ... youd have to try one out. the yonex grip is also much different from the wilson grip.

the ezone 98 to me feels like a heavier lower-powered “players” version of the pure aero. with more vibration dampening built in

 

[Cara]

Are you sure a heavier racket is not going to create more load/stress on your shoulder? Maybe now is not the right time to do it? I've heard a lot of people reducing shoulder pain by going to a lighter racket but not many going to a heavier racket.

Racket wise, as people suggested before, you can look at the regular Blades, maybe an IG Radical MP (strung low), TC97 is also a nice racket. Lots of options. The G360 Speed MP is also a great all-around racket. Demo as many as possible and choose!

To be honest, I'm not really sure, but I have a feeling that the problem I have is related to the racquet that I'm currently using. It's too light and a feel all the vibrations on my arm. Tried the standard Blade today and I liked it.I was a little more inconsistent than usual, but I belive the problem was the strings (Addiction 55lbs) too soft for my taste. I use Luxilon/Natural gut 54lbs/58lbs. I want to try a few more racquets before purchasing one. Very curious to play with a Yonex and see how they feel.

 

[Cara]

the ezone is pretty different from the blade ... youd have to try one out. the yonex grip is also much different from the wilson grip.

the ezone 98 to me feels like a heavier lower-powered “players” version of the pure aero. with more vibration dampening built in

I'll have to try the Ezone 98. Never tried a Yonex before. Although I'm a little worried because everyone says that the previous model Dr 98 was way better than the newer version.

 

[Cara]

I would also suggest trying the regular Blade. I've very much been enjoying the Clash as well, as someone mentioned above, though, it might not be the best suited for an aggressive style of play, but my experience with it so far (as well as the comments of some other posters) has led me to believe that if you were to add some lead to the regular Clash it could be a really comfortable racquet that would be well-suited for an aggressive player. Obviously you can't demo a Clash with lead, though, so it would be tougher to determine if that would be a good option than some other stock frames you might like.

I've heard that you either like or hate this racket (Clash). Very interesting!!!

 

[Fxanimator1]

To be honest, I'm not really sure, but I have a feeling that the problem I have is related to the racquet that I'm currently using. It's too light and a feel all the vibrations on my arm. Tried the standard Blade today and I liked it.I was a little more inconsistent than usual, but I belive the problem was the strings (Addiction 55lbs) too soft for my taste. I use Luxilon/Natural gut 54lbs/58lbs. I want to try a few more racquets before purchasing one. Very curious to play with a Yonex and see how they feel.

I agree with you that the 98L can get pushed around against a heavier ball and feel awful to the arm, even with good technique. A slightly heavier frame will help
win that collision, between the ball and the racquet.

I'll bet that the string set-up on the demo is what made it feel wonky to you. 55 lb. is not a bad tension for that racquet, but the string type on that demo...

 

[Cara]

I agree with you that the 98L can get pushed around against a heavier ball and feel awful to the arm, even with good technique. A slightly heavier frame will help
win that collision, between the ball and the racquet.

I'll bet that the string set-up on the demo is what made it feel wonky to you. 55 lb. is not a bad tension for that racquet, but the string type on that demo...

Exactly!!! I like the regular Blade so far. I'll keep it for a few more days to make sure. I'll probably try the Ezone 98 too, but I just saw that is more HL compared to the Blade.

 

[Chezbeeno]

I've heard that you either like or hate this racket (Clash). Very interesting!!!

I haven't really heard of many people hating it who have actually tried it and given it a fair shake. It seems like most of the hate it gets from people on the forums is from people who are irritated at the claim that it's the most flexible racquet ever produced (or whatever Wilson's claim is). I talked to some guys at a local tennis shop and they also made it sound like everyone who has tried it really likes it.
But also I just saw in your most recent post that you've been enjoying the regular Blade, so that's good to hear! Did you end up with the CV 16x19? Or did you opt for one of the other options?

 

[Cara]

I haven't really heard of many people hating it who have actually tried it and given it a fair shake. It seems like most of the hate it gets from people on the forums is from people who are irritated at the claim that it's the most flexible racquet ever produced (or whatever Wilson's claim is). I talked to some guys at a local tennis shop and they also made it sound like everyone who has tried it really likes it.
But also I just saw in your most recent post that you've been enjoying the regular Blade, so that's good to hear! Did you end up with the CV 16x19? Or did you opt for one of the other options?

They told me that even the sound when you hit the ball with the Clash is different!!!Can't find a demo available so far I played today with the Blade 98 16x19 CV. I liked it! Close to what I have, but more solid. More power without trying that much!!!Not sure why, but I really want to try the Ezone 98. Maybe because I have never tried a Yonex before.

 

[Fxanimator1]

They told me that even the sound when you hit the ball with the Clash is different!!!Can't find a demo available so far I played today with the Blade 98 16x19 CV. I liked it! Close to what I have, but more solid. More power without trying that much!!!Not sure why, but I really want to try the Ezone 98. Maybe because I have never tried a Yonex before.

I forgot to mention, on my Blade 98 16x19 CV’s, along with the 16gms of Blue-Stik in the handle, I added 2 gms at 3 and 2 gms at 9.
I use NXT power 16 in the mains and Cream 16 in the crosses. It really is a buttery, beast. It absolutely destroys the ball, while not destroying my elbow.

 

[n8dawg6]

I'll have to try the Ezone 98. Never tried a Yonex before. Although I'm a little worried because everyone says that the previous model Dr 98 was way better than the newer version.

the differences between the ezone and the DR are incremental, not major. ezone is a tad stiffer and has better paint. ying/yang

 

[Cara]

the differences between the ezone and the DR are incremental, not major. ezone is a tad stiffer and has better paint. ying/yang

Ok good to know, thanks!!!I’ll probably try it on a Monday

 

[Cara]

I forgot to mention, on my Blade 98 16x19 CV’s, along with the 16gms of Blue-Stik in the handle, I added 2 gms at 3 and 2 gms at 9.
I use NXT power 16 in the mains and Cream 16 in the crosses. It really is a buttery, beast. It absolutely destroys the ball, while not destroying my elbow.

I have used NXT in the past with ALU, but never the Cream. Just read that is a very arm friendly string!!!

 

[TagUrIt]

If you can get your hands on a Wilson Clash, it will truly change your perspective on all racquets. It really is a unique experience and arm friendly. I highly recommend it. I have the Clash Tour and I’m loving it.

I had a female friend of mine 4.0 player demo the Ultra 100 CV, Burn 100 CV and the Clash. She said the Clash was the best racquet she’s ever played with.

 

[graycrait]

@Cara , If you like narrow beamed rackets you might want to demo the Prince Phantom Pro 100 or if you could find one a discontinued Prince Classic Graphite 100 which should be a bit stiffer than the PP100. However, both would add an ounce to your current racket weight. Local new to area current D1 player from Europe was using some type of Head racket. I let her borrow one of my PCG 100s and the rest is history. She is 17-2 in singles and 12-1 doubles using the "old" Princes. A couple of late 20-something good women players I met are also now swinging the older Prince 19mm beamed rackets, one a H.S. Hall of Fame Player from MI, formerly a Head fan girl and the other a former junior player from the Czech Republic who was "married" to Yonex. The Princes might not be your cup of tea but might be worth a demo. I haven't found anything that plays as comfortable as narrow beamed Princes cutting through the air.

 

[SavvyStringer]

Hello all,

I'm a 35 year old 5.0 woman with big serve and hard groundstrokes. My game is more aggressive, I don't like to exchange many balls. I play singles and doubles. I currently play with the Wilson Blade 98L. I like the racquet a lot, but I feel that it's a little light (10.1 oz) for the type of game I'm playing. Recently I have had some shoulder issues. Tendonitis, but I still play 3-4x week. Thinking of switching rackets, would like to try something heavier. Any suggestions on what I should demo?

Thank you in advance,
Cara

Weight up the blade. Add a leather grip and play around with some lead or tungsten on the head to create more overall mass. Those rackets are way too light for a 5.0 in stock form.

 

[TennisHound]

Edit

 

[StringGuruMRT]

I just recently switched from the standard Blade CV 16x19 to the Pro Staff 97 CV. It feels so good and rock solid. Made me question why I ever strayed from the PS in the first place... I think it would be definitely worth a demo

 

[Chezbeeno]

They told me that even the sound when you hit the ball with the Clash is different!!!Can't find a demo available so far I played today with the Blade 98 16x19 CV. I liked it! Close to what I have, but more solid. More power without trying that much!!!Not sure why, but I really want to try the Ezone 98. Maybe because I have never tried a Yonex before.

I haven't hit with enough racquets to know if the sound of the Clash is different from everything else, but it's certainly a bit different from my Blades. My local shop has had a waiting list to demo the Clash for a long time, I got really lucky to demo the Tour and didn't love it, so I actually just bought the regular Clash from TW, since it has a guarantee so I knew I could swap it for a Blade if I needed to. I've ended up loving it so it's a moot point. If you can hit with the Blade problem-free though then I think it's a superior frame.

 

[Cara]

Thank you all so much for the help!!! I bought the Blade 16x19 CV today! I tried it and I think it’s exactly what I need. A little heavier frame, powerful and close the light version that I already own.