Yonex EZONE AI 100: Alternative to the APD?

[Funkdrummer]

I've demoed the APD a few days ago (The Cortex version), I must say that the racket is great to use. I immediately noticed that my shots had more spin and power than what I had previously generated. The only problem was that the racket was too stiff for my liking (after 1 hour of hitting, my arm started to hurt) and I personally did not like the feel of it.
I've also searched for alternatives online and the EZONE Ai 100 seems to fit the bill. Would the EZONE Ai 100 be able to correct the problems that the Babolat APD has?

 

[kimguroo]

I was also looking to replace APDGT and tried AI100.
Very disappointed. Did not work out for me.
Shape was very similar to APD but nothing like APD.
AI100 was very comfortable than APD. AI100 offers slightly above everything but nothing special.

Still looking for the alternative and likes warrior ESP. Need to play more with warrior ESP.

 

[Funkdrummer]

I was also looking to replace APDGT and tried AI100.
Very disappointed. Did not work out for me.
Shape was very similar to APD but nothing like APD.
AI100 was very comfortable than APD. AI100 offers slightly above everything but nothing special.

Still looking for the alternative and likes warrior ESP. Need to play more with warrior ESP.

Thanks for the insight!
Is the Warrior ESP more comfortable, and if so does it play like the APD?

 

[kimguroo]

Thanks for the insight!
Is the Warrior ESP more comfortable, and if so does it play like the APD?

My biggest concern for AI100 was somewhat reason balls were just sitting and my opponent/hitting partner easily punish those balls. If it did not happen, I probably switched to AI100.
You should demo both warrior ESP and AI100. Some people might not agree with me.

Warrior ESP is comfortable racket because of O port technology.
Warrior ESP offers similar power and trajectory like APD.
It also offers good spins because of extreme open pattern. There is a good possibility to switch but there are several down side too. I still need to work on my backhands but might be able to adjust.

Biggest problem with warrior ESP is string.
I am not a string breaker (I use thinnest poly 18L for other rackets and usually last more than a month but strings do not last long for warrior ESP).
I am searching for right string now and I am leaning towards to get cheapest reels and string frequently. Yesterday I strung synthetic gut at 60 lbs and broke the string about one hour...

Honestly I still prefer APD but don't want to risk myself (Had slight wrist problem. Not serious but just want to be safe).

BTW my APDGT and warrior ESP are customized to 12.4oz

 

[scotus]

Also, check out Gamma RZR 98M.

A very similar beam shape to APD but at the stiffness of under 60.

 

[Funkdrummer]

I guess that narrows it down to the Warrior ESP and the Gamma RZR 98M? Still open to suggestions if you guys have anything in mind.
Thanks for the replies so far!

 

[Boricua]

Ai 100 does not vibrate and big sweet spot. Very solid stick. But I prefer the aero designfrom the babolat to get spin when I whip the racket. The ai drives the ball better but if you brush the ball alot go for the aeropro. Strung full poly in the 40s with the apd

 

[Bartelby]

Balls sitting up is just a function of the tester not getting accustomed to the racquet sufficiently.

And there is no reason to spend too much time doing this if you're happy enough with another racquet.

 

[Funkdrummer]

Thanks for the insight on the Ai100, it seems like something I would buy as well.

I am currently REALLY happy with my Radical S, it just seems to be lacking the weight as I don't have the same stability as I do with the APD. Looks like I really have to lead it up lol