Yonex RDS 001 vs. Head Flexpoint Prestige

[mwahsun]

Currently I am using the Babolat AeroPro Drive Plus, and I am thinking of getting a racquet with more control and also power. I am experiencing difficulty in controling power at times. According to my observations which new racquet should I purchase? I am thinking of getting a Yonex RDS 001 due to the fact that its almost out, and FXP Prestige has a a few weeks - month to go. Price wise the Yonex RDS 001 cost less than the FXP Prestige, but I am willing to spend a little more more better performance and quality.

So since all of you guys are tennis experts, I am quite wondering which racquet to get? Should I wait another month for the FXP Prestige, should I spend a few more dollars for a better one? Or should I buy the Yonex RDS 001? Please feel free to comment on these new racquets, and try helping me make a decision. Also comment on the quality of the racquet such as the FXP: Liquidmetal, Total sweetspot construction, intellifiber, and twin tube. Also RDS: Isometric Head Shape, Elastic Ti, Soft Grommet.

Also for both the racquets, I would also really appreciate it if you can list some good strings that go with the racquet.

Thank you, and I hope to get answers soon.

 

[mwahsun]

Please, I need some advice/suggestions.

 

[Kevo]

OK, here is some advice. Do what you will with it. The two racquets you are comparing are quite different. Your best bet would be to demo both if possible. The features they have make them somewhat unique, and the feel will no doubt be quite different from your current frame. How a frame feels to you is probably the most important factor in picking a new frame, so it's very difficult to give advice about that since it is so personal. Next, I doubt either of these frames is going to be more powerful than your existing frame. Further, a little more power might be fairly easy to get with different strings and tension. Your sig says that you use hurricane at 58 lbs. Maybe you should try it at 54lbs. Or try a multi at 58lbs. Lastly, don't be swayed by fancy marketing. Yes isometric head shape generally gives Yonex frames a slightly large sweetspot, but if it was really great, then everybody would be using one. Yes a FXP frame flexes differently than a non-FXP frame, but there is debate about whether that is good or bad. Like anything else, you need to do homework when making an important purchase, and I think coming here to get advice is a good step, but I think when buying a tennis racquet you should always demo first if at all possible.

 

[Fatmike]

Aeropro Drive plus is very powerfull.

You won't get more control and power in another frame. More control: yes. More power: yes. but both at same time, quite impossible. Try maybe Flexpoint Radical Tour, or Flexpoint Instinct (I love Head frames...), both are quite powerfull and have good control. Better feel with Radical. More power with the instinct. The Instinct feel similar to the pure drive.

I never tried a "plus" racquet. I guess you lose some control with a longer racquet.

Oh, the flexpoint prestige is on the low side of power. Least powerfull of head racquets.

 

[mwahsun]

So do you prefer Yonex RDS 001?

 

[badger_badger]

why not just demo rdx500 or lmp? i honestly think the racquet manufacturers are coming out with new models every couple of years just to make some more money without making much improvements on their racquets. i use yonex racquets and i dont think the "elastic ti" technology is worth the extra bucks. i'm actually thinking about stocking up on some rdx sticks this spring.

 

[kumat63]

I've hit with the new Flexpoint Prestige. Haven't tried the RDS 001 yet. The Flexpoint Prestige plays pretty similarly to the LM Prestige, a touch crisper feel, a bit stiffer, maybe a little more power. But both the RDS 001 and FP Prestige are much lower powered frames than an Aeropro Drive+. You'll gain some control probably, but definitely you'll lose some pop on your shots. Comparing the LM Prestige to the Yonex RDX 500 (predecessor frames for each) I think they are pretty similar racquets. I find the Prestige has a bit more power all the way around, and noticeably more so on flat serves. The RDX produces more spin which can be an asset on groundstrokes and control and kick serves, but you give up some penetration on driving groundstrokes. It's easier to end a point with the Prestige by just powering it straight down the line, whereas you need to find the angle, and use the spin to end points with the RDX. All depends on how you want to play really. If power is your thing, the Prestige will enhance that well with good control. If spins, angles, all court play is your thing the RDX might be better. Both are great racquets though, hard to go wrong with either.

 

[mark1]

i would try to demo something along the lines of a volkl tour ten mp ve or like an mfil 300 or a yonex rdq7. these frames still swing lightish and have good power, but still have emphasis on control. i think that going from an apd+ to a prestige is a big jump. You should demo these frames first to see if they fit. Also, if you have trouble keeping the ball in play, try getting a frame with a lower swingweight so that you can add some more spin to the ball to help keep it in play. this is something that many dont consider.

 

[mwahsun]

A friend of mine suggested a LM Instinct? What would you have to say about that?

 

[bamboo711]

Hey man,
I am stuck in around the same place as you are. I think I will go with the Yonex RDS 001 over the prestige since it will be easier to generate power with but will still be real stable. Also, I've been looking around threads and the new Volkl DNX9 would seem to be a good possibility for both of us. I would go ahead with the RDS or wait till the Volkl. I think the Prestige is extremely weak. Comment when you read this! THanks.