Yes, it is the needing help choosing a racquet form new guy thread

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iamjethro

New User
Just starting out and been reading up on choosing a racquet. Probably too much, as I am now stuck trying to decide.

53 years old
Male 5'10"
30 years of not touching a raquet and then only for fun

Considering:
Head Microgel Radical OS
Wilson BLX Two
Head Liquidmetal 8
Head TIS% comfort zone
Head Hammer 5.3
Wilson Burn Team 100

These are the best I found locally. Any input appreciated.
 
Power Player

Power Player

Bionic Poster
iamjethro said:
Just starting out .
Click to expand...

Honestly get whatever you like. Not even kidding. Maybe something that mirrors the specs of a Babolat Pure Drive or Pure Aero since thats a pretty common weight that you can grow your game with. It won't matter much when you start and reading all the threads here will make you think about your frame when that won't really matter much for years.

Another cool option would be to try an older, soft Head frame if you can find one used. The MG Radical OS you listed is a great option. I'd probably just go with that if you are ready to hit the courts and get going.

If you are curious about the difference between that and a more stiff, modern frame - demo a Babolat Pure Drive and then pick between the two. Either one will work great. Just don't overthink it. And use Synthetic gut or a multi string in whatever you buy until you start breaking it on a regular basis.
 
2

2HBH-DTL

Guest
Demo a handful of racquets and try different specs and sizes. That way you're not fully committing until you're ready for the right one.

kinda like finding a girlfriend or wife. go out and "demo" a few first.
 
mnttlrg

mnttlrg

Professional
I agree with the previous posts. Even for a complete beginner, I usually still advise for people to hit with something playable for a decent-level player. I don't like my players getting used to clown rackets and then feeling stuck with them because they aren't comfortable switching.

So anything Radical is usually good for everyone. They are a happy middle ground in most categories, so they are almost never bad.

A lot of people immediately buy a Pure Drive. And most of them can't keep a ball in the court for more than 3 shots in a row from that point forward.

The big selling point for doing a demo program is to figure out what weight / pattern / stiffness you feel comfortable with and go from there.
 
Power Player

Power Player

Bionic Poster
mnttlrg said:
A lot of people immediately buy a Pure Drive. And most of them can't keep a ball in the court for more than 3 shots in a row from that point forward.
Click to expand...

This can be true, but I also have heard from teachers that players using the PD/PA makes it easier to teach topspin to because of the easy depth they get when learning to brush the ball. I like the frames a lot as starters because they are very, very viable racquets to start rec play with and then advance to the highest levels with. So you can really grow with the racquet, which is awesome.

Of course if you are not taking lessons and learning how to generate topspin properly, then the Pure Drive could be very challenging to control. But that goes for about anything.
 
Dartagnan64

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
Pure Drive 107 is a good starter racket IMO if you are going to be developing topspin strokes. Bit more forgiveness so you frame less shots as you are learning. Just beware the Babolats are stiff frames and I'd advise against putting polyester strings in them until your arm muscles and tendons are in shape.

I'd also strongly suggest the Wilson Blade 104 as an alternative to the Wilson Burn. I think its a more arm friendly racket with more forgiveness. In fact I'd also suggest the Wilson Ultra line over the Burn line for a beginner.

And I don't think Head makes a Hammer 5.3. The last Hammer 5.3 i saw was in my father's garage and was made by Wilson.
 
nvr2old

nvr2old

Hall of Fame
Well as my avatar suggests I really like Head Microgels. Can't go wrong with any of them IMO. Ken
 
nvr2old

nvr2old

Hall of Fame
I (actually it's my wife's) have Wilson Burn 100 team as well. Excellent racquet also. I'd go with either the Microgel radical OS or the Burn. Ken
 
Traffic

Traffic

Hall of Fame
Does TW have an option for racquet help to click on beginner racquets? Seems like something with a larger head, lighter weight should provide the forgiveness to get started. String with a multifilament or synthetic gut. Stay away from poly.
 
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iamjethro

New User
Well, on a trip to the local sporting good store (before I saw some of the last replies) I wound p with the Wilson Two BLX. Main reason was it was only 30 bucks on clearance. I had read the reply that stated just learn to hit and as I learn if I swing fast , slow, moderate, etc. Then decide on a step up racquet later. Thanks for all the help. I am guessing any of those I listed was better than the 15 buck options at the discount stores.
 
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