I received my RDS 001 mid last week and just wanted to compare it to the RDX 500 mid. First of all, the paint job looks fantastic. I don't know why some people don't like the yellow paint because I think it just looks great. Also, the thing I noticed right away about the RDS compared to the RDX was that the grip was longer. In simpler words, there was more grip. In terms of the racquet itself, Yonex seems to have used the same mold for the RDS as the RDX.
Playing characteristics: I strung the RDS 001 with Topsin Cyber Flash 17 at 69 lbs. in the mains and RAB Reflex Speed Synthetic gut 16 at 69 lbs. in the crosses, the same string setup I used in the RDX 500 before. In my opinion, these two racquets play completely different. The RDS 001 is definitely stiffer than the RDX but not to a degree where it can be considered harsh. I was able to feel it flex in the shaft quite nicely. I actually think that the extra stiffness added to the stability of the racquet. Another noticeable difference is the weight of the RDS. On my scale, the RDS weighed out at 12.375 ounces with an overgrip and dampener, which is pretty comparable to the RDX. However, it was immediately noticeable that the RDS swings quite a bit heavier. I think that the 325 swingweight on TW's specs is correct, if not a little low. Due to the grip being longer, the head of the racquet felt a little further away than usual, ala Prince Diablo Mid or Wilson Pro Staff Original 85. I was able to get used to this in a heartbeat, however.
When hitting with the RDS, the first thing I noticed was how stable it is. I did not feel the racquet torque or twist at all. The second thing I noticed was the power that I could create on my shots, from groundstrokes to serves. My forehand had a lot more punch, especially on shots that I flattened out, my serve had a lot more punch than the RDX. Don't get me wrong, however, because this is a "make your own power" racquet. I just felt that this racquet more accurately transferred the power I put into it, compared to the RDX. It could have been the extra stiffness. The most noticeable difference between the RDS and RDX was on the serve. With the RDX, I never felt like I was able to overpower my opponent on a flat serve. I was able to generate nice spin on second serve kick-serves. With the RDS, however, I was able to flatten out the serve with ease and push my opponent back, while still retaining that excellent spin potential on kick serves.
I was very impressed with volleys and immediately felt comfortable at the net with the RDS. Because of the added weight, it felt more stable and accuracy was pinpoint.
I think that overall, Yonex was able to upgrade and improve on the few weaknesses of the RDX (in my opinion). They added weight and stiffness for stability. What I did not like very much about the RDX was that it felt a little hollow or tinny. The RDS does not feel like that at all. Instead, it feels nicely dampened and "filled in"(if that makes any sense). I love the fact that Yonex added some swingweight because now the racquet has good plow through power. I am very impressed with this racquet and strongly believe that this is one of the best new players' racquets out. Compared to the Head Flexpoint Prestige Midplus(which I tried a couple of weeks ago), this racquet is head and shoulders better.
Anyway, just my 2 cents worth.
Playing characteristics: I strung the RDS 001 with Topsin Cyber Flash 17 at 69 lbs. in the mains and RAB Reflex Speed Synthetic gut 16 at 69 lbs. in the crosses, the same string setup I used in the RDX 500 before. In my opinion, these two racquets play completely different. The RDS 001 is definitely stiffer than the RDX but not to a degree where it can be considered harsh. I was able to feel it flex in the shaft quite nicely. I actually think that the extra stiffness added to the stability of the racquet. Another noticeable difference is the weight of the RDS. On my scale, the RDS weighed out at 12.375 ounces with an overgrip and dampener, which is pretty comparable to the RDX. However, it was immediately noticeable that the RDS swings quite a bit heavier. I think that the 325 swingweight on TW's specs is correct, if not a little low. Due to the grip being longer, the head of the racquet felt a little further away than usual, ala Prince Diablo Mid or Wilson Pro Staff Original 85. I was able to get used to this in a heartbeat, however.
When hitting with the RDS, the first thing I noticed was how stable it is. I did not feel the racquet torque or twist at all. The second thing I noticed was the power that I could create on my shots, from groundstrokes to serves. My forehand had a lot more punch, especially on shots that I flattened out, my serve had a lot more punch than the RDX. Don't get me wrong, however, because this is a "make your own power" racquet. I just felt that this racquet more accurately transferred the power I put into it, compared to the RDX. It could have been the extra stiffness. The most noticeable difference between the RDS and RDX was on the serve. With the RDX, I never felt like I was able to overpower my opponent on a flat serve. I was able to generate nice spin on second serve kick-serves. With the RDS, however, I was able to flatten out the serve with ease and push my opponent back, while still retaining that excellent spin potential on kick serves.
I was very impressed with volleys and immediately felt comfortable at the net with the RDS. Because of the added weight, it felt more stable and accuracy was pinpoint.
I think that overall, Yonex was able to upgrade and improve on the few weaknesses of the RDX (in my opinion). They added weight and stiffness for stability. What I did not like very much about the RDX was that it felt a little hollow or tinny. The RDS does not feel like that at all. Instead, it feels nicely dampened and "filled in"(if that makes any sense). I love the fact that Yonex added some swingweight because now the racquet has good plow through power. I am very impressed with this racquet and strongly believe that this is one of the best new players' racquets out. Compared to the Head Flexpoint Prestige Midplus(which I tried a couple of weeks ago), this racquet is head and shoulders better.
Anyway, just my 2 cents worth.
