Yonex Ai 108 anybody?

[torpantennis]

I just ran into Yonex Ai 108, a lightweight OS racquet with modern APD type frame shape. The string pattern has similar 8T/8H skips as APD (or my current racquet IG Extreme Pro 2.0), and one less cross at 16x18 might just help add spin. The weight is light! Static at 272g strung and swingweight 292 with even balance, so looks like a perfect hairpin for customization? Has anybody tried this racquet? How is the feel? How well does it slice or hit topspin? Is there any control on open pattern OS, even with higher tensions? What was your customization?

I'm looking for a lighter and even easier to use option to Extreme Pro, with similar feel. I tried Pure Drive a couple of times but couldn't live with the discomfort. Target swingweight will be around 330.

 

[n8dawg6]

I'm looking for a lighter and even easier to use option to Extreme Pro, with similar feel. I tried Pure Drive a couple of times but couldn't live with the discomfort.

I hear ya. bet the yonex 108 isn't gonna be it, though.

 

[torpantennis]

I hear ya. bet the yonex 108 isn't gonna be it, though.

Why not, if modded to something like 330SW, 330g static weight, and using slightly higher tension?

 

[KYHacker]

Well, I am experimenting with this right now. Just got my Pure Drive 108. Weight was 10.75 oz with a SW of 310 with over grip and dampener. Been playing around with different weightings. Tried adding 8g to handle and a total of 3G at Noon this morning after not liking a different setup. This seems just about right. 11.5 oz with SW of about 325. Very good control and pop and a much softer response than regular PD. Good access to spin as well. Softer flex and very slightly larger stringbed takes the harshness out compared to PD or PDR+. Strung at 54 with 17g Pro Hurricane. Not a lot of touch, but it is a Babolat.

Will play with it some more, but may stick with this one. All of the positives of the PD/PD+/PDR+/APD+ with none of the negatives.

Ai108 might work the same way. Dunlop M6.0 might be another good candidate.

 

[KYHacker]

If you don't want to mod, ProKennex Ki15 PSE would probably be the best option.

 

[torpantennis]

If you don't want to mod, ProKennex Ki15 PSE would probably be the best option.

Yeah but that doesn't have the 8T/8H mains skip string pattern of APD/Extreme. I have the feeling that's the key why I like Extreme. I think it might just give a more uniform and predictable response across the stringbed than more open patterns (which have less crosses on outer mains). Dunlop M6.0, the same thing...

I just wanna keep at least some things the same if/when trying another racquet.

 

[KYHacker]

Well, my weighted up PD 107 plays pretty similar to the two iterations of Extreme Pro that I played with. Haven't played with the PK. If PD 107 (2012 version) doesn't work out, I'll probably get a Graphene XT Speed Pro for the extra control.