YONEX rds 002 tour, THE RACQUET?

[Yonex10sFan]

It's nice to see another RD 7 fan out there. Believe it or not I still have mine & it's in pretty good shape. However, the swingweight is a bit much in 3 set matches so I have converted over to the RDX 500 MP with good success. However, this is getting pretty beat up & can't see to find another one so looking into another Yonex (RDS001, RDS002T or the RQiS1T).

 

[Matt21]

I've got two of the 002Tours and was ready to sell them a couple months ago. I went back and tried it again this week and was very thankful no one jumped on the purchase. This is really a good frame and I also own a few Dunlop 200's (Hotmelt, MFil and AG). I'm not sure I agree with the poster that said the Dunlop hits a bigger ball. I think I get more depth and weight with the Yonex but I get a little more head speed with the Dunlops (they are a tad lighter). I think I like the balance of the Yonex better but for some reason, I have never been able to part with my Dunlops.

If you're not getting the pop you want with your RDS002's, try doing something different with the strings. Two setups I've had that gave me good results were:

61Mains/58Crosses (16g X-One Biphase)
49 lbs throughout (rip control 17g)

I prefer the former when I need to play more aggressively and the latter when I'm playing big hitters that like angles (the lower tension allows me to chip more balls back in play when I'm pushed wide or blocking body serves).

 

[basil J]

Played a practice match tonight and found that the RDs002 tour is just a very well rounded frame. The serving isues I was having this summer are gone. With VS gut, I had no problem generating good pace and action on serves. My 1HBH was as solid and reliable as it is with my 200GMW. My forehands were getting great depth and spin. Due to the open string pattern I am still adjusting to the less solid feel of the string bed than my usual 18 x 20 string beds, but the control is quite exceptional with this frame. I agree with some of the other posters who have mentioned that you need a little time to settle into the unique playing properties of the Yonex. Because I am barely playing at all right now, ( maybe twice a week) I have actually adjusted easier to this frame, since my comparisons to my other racquet are more vague than they normally would be if I was playing more often. I love this frame at the net. It is a great all court stick. It gives you great control and spin to play defense and is great if you move forward. The jury is still out on if I can play a powerbaseline game with it, but I haven't played a big hitter yet with it. That match will be on friday so I will have a better feel for the power level after friday. I am glad I gave this frame another chance. BTW, I have never seen anyone in the Boston area ever use a Yonex. I find that a little unusual. Wilson, Head, Prince and Babolat dominate around here....

 

[AndrewD]

basil J,

You're not looking for any more 200G MW's are you?

 

[In D Zone]

Played a practice match tonight and found that the RDs002 tour is just a very well rounded frame. The serving isues I was having this summer are gone. With VS gut, I had no problem generating good pace and action on serves. My 1HBH was as solid and reliable as it is with my 200GMW. My forehands were getting great depth and spin. Due to the open string pattern I am still adjusting to the less solid feel of the string bed than my usual 18 x 20 string beds, but the control is quite exceptional with this frame. I agree with some of the other posters who have mentioned that you need a little time to settle into the unique playing properties of the Yonex. Because I am barely playing at all right now, ( maybe twice a week) I have actually adjusted easier to this frame, since my comparisons to my other racquet are more vague than they normally would be if I was playing more often. I love this frame at the net. It is a great all court stick. It gives you great control and spin to play defense and is great if you move forward. The jury is still out on if I can play a powerbaseline game with it, but I haven't played a big hitter yet with it. That match will be on friday so I will have a better feel for the power level after friday. I am glad I gave this frame another chance. BTW, I have never seen anyone in the Boston area ever use a Yonex. I find that a little unusual. Wilson, Head, Prince and Babolat dominate around here....

RDS002 Tour offers a lot of pop so if you encounter a big hitter, my advised is to stay calm and simple swing thru the ball. Don't muscle the shot, otherwise you'll find your ball sailing over the baseline. The RDS 002 has a stiff frame and is stable against any big hitter even at the net. You just have to trust the racquet and you'll get reward with it (power and control).

I played doubles against two big hitters (3.5 and 4.0), used the RDS002 Tour. I was able to keep us in the game and was able to counter every pounding these guys threw at me, even at the net. the sad part was my doubles partners -he was not in the best of shape, we end up loosing but we kept the game close.
Good luck on your game!

Yonex is not really big in the US - there are only a few shops that offers or carries Yonex racquets. I'd say you won't find any Yonex at big sporting stores, its more of a speciality type of racquet. Luckily, I have found one local tennis store here that is an authorized Yonex seller.

 

[MCN]

Been using 002 Tour for few weeks and really getting to like it - but it's taken some time. Found the strings and tension make a huge difference in this frame - more so than others I've used. Finally settled on thin multifilament at 55lbs which results in a nice pop but still with control. You do need to hit smoothly with this racquet and not rush shots - when tuned-in it ploughs through the ball with plenty of controllable spin. One of few racquets for me that I've not needed to lead-up - seems nice weight, balance and stiffness in stock form. Tried the non-tour version of this stick - pretty good but just too light for me. To sum up - you need the right strings, good timing and to relax, hitting smoothly, but if you do it's very very good.

 

[jazar]

i hit with this frame a few weeks ago. has similar specs to my prestige, but is a little stiffer. have to agree that the strings make a big difference. it was strung up factory spec, and though i quite like yonex atg 850, it just didnt feel right in this frame. that was really my only criticism of this racket, its got a good weight, nice balance. it takes a bit of getting used to, but it would seem worth it

 

[basil J]

Andrew I am looking for one 200GMW with a 4 1/2" grip if it is in great condition, I am down to two now and wouldn't mind a third if it's at the right price. I like the yonex, but I still want the dunlop in my bag for now. Do you have one you want to get rid of?

 

[Zachol82]

Thinking to switch to it from wilson k faktor 95. I read only positive reviews. Everyone says will never change anymore. What do you suggest?

I've been using my RDS 002 Tour since forever and I only have positive things to say about it too. If you can handle the heft of this racquet then you're good to go.

I didn't like this racquet when I demoed it at first just because the head shape was a bit awkward at first. The weight of the racquet also took awhile to get used to. However, once you get used to it, this racquet is just simply amazing.

Extremely spin friendly and control oriented. It does have some pop to it because of its weight.

If there's any other questions feel free to ask since I'm pretty confident that I know this racquet. I've been using it for 5 years and I have 6 of these because I don't plan to switch to anything else .

 

[AndrewD]

Andrew I am looking for one 200GMW with a 4 1/2" grip if it is in great condition, I am down to two now and wouldn't mind a third if it's at the right price. I like the yonex, but I still want the dunlop in my bag for now. Do you have one you want to get rid of?

I'm not sure at the moment. There is an item I'll be bidding on and the bloke also has two MW 200G's for sale as well. As I'd have to go to his place to get the first item (no postage, local pick-up only) and both auctions end at the same time, it wouldn't be much trouble to put in a bid on the racquets as well, if they don't go too high. Wouldn't want anything more for them than I paid. They're only at $26 now but there have been a number of bids so it's most likely it'll become too expensive, but I'll keep my eye on them.

I'll see if I can find out what grip size they are and if he has any comments about the condition.

 

[basil J]

Andrew, I appreciate it, but don't put yourself out on my behalf. Unless the frames are extremely clean and good shape, don't waste your time. If they are in excellent shape and the right grip size, please let me know and I'll work something out with you. Thanks bro..

 

[AndrewD]

Basil,

There's no mention of grip size and the condition is only rated as 'good'. So probably not worth worrying about.

No trouble at all mate. Wouldn't do it for most but, like a few others here, you've always been a decent bloke to deal with so I figured I'd just see if you were interested in them.

By the way, have you hit with the RDS 001 and the RDS 002? I like the overall specs on the 001 but the 002 would be that little bit easier to swing on those days when I'm having a few mobility issues.

 

[basil J]

Thanks for the kind words Andrew. The feeling is mutual. I owned the RDS001 MP for a while and found it pretty low powered and pretty stiff. It is a sub 12 ounce frame and it swings fairly lightly. I think the 002 tour feels better on every shot and is a more comfortable frame. I also find that it plays light for a 12+ oz frame. I never tried the 002 so I can't comment, but I ilke frames that are in the 12-1.6 oz weight range so I didn't consider an 002 . If it plays the same , except in a lighter vesrion, then I would say that it is worth a spin. I have a bum shoulder and I only use VS gut in any frame I play with now and it has made a world of difference for me. I did not like the tour in the summer when I tried it with a poly hybrid. With the Gut, it has more life to it. The rds 001 probably would have played better with gut as well.
Hope this helps.

 

[basil J]

Zach,
I thought the RDs002 tour has only been out for a little over a year. How could you be using it for over 6 years?

 

[CAM178]

I've got the 002 right now as a demo, and it doesn't play well. Not good to hit with. Probably more so the fact that TW sent out another demo with fraying strings, but the frame itself just doesn't feel great.

 

[AndrewD]

basil,

I've got a shoulder impingement, which is why I'm looking at something a bit lighter. Was using and loving the Slazenger NX-One but my shoulder rejected the close to Even balance, 12oz weight and 325/327 swingweight. Pity, as the results were very good - one of the best serving and volleying racquets I've used. Been reduced to using an old Head i.S2 MP which has taken away the shoulder pain but is really too powerful for my needs. So now I'm looking for a replacement and I thought one of the 001 or 002 might do the trick. While some extra power is nice I really would only like a touch more grunt than I had with the Volkl t10 mp Gen II and about as much as with the Diablo MP, but in a standard length package.

The RDS line came out in 2006 so no-one could have been using it for more than 2 years at most.

 

[okdude1992]

i think the yonex headshape shouldn't be overlooked Ripper. It really threw me off, so at least think about this.

 

[Richard Pur]

basil,

I've got a shoulder impingement, which is why I'm looking at something a bit lighter. Was using and loving the Slazenger NX-One but my shoulder rejected the close to Even balance, 12oz weight and 325/327 swingweight. Pity, as the results were very good - one of the best serving and volleying racquets I've used. Been reduced to using an old Head i.S2 MP which has taken away the shoulder pain but is really too powerful for my needs. So now I'm looking for a replacement and I thought one of the 001 or 002 might do the trick. While some extra power is nice I really would only like a touch more grunt than I had with the Volkl t10 mp Gen II and about as much as with the Diablo MP, but in a standard length package.

The RDS line came out in 2006 so no-one could have been using it for more than 2 years at most.

AndrewD,

Don't give up on the RDS because of your inpingement. I found out I had one, but according to the doctor, it wasn't serious enough to operate (even though it felt like it). I went to rehab a couple times a week for a while, got the key exercises from those folks that tightened up the muscles around the shoulder, and in 2-3 months was doing a lot better. Obviously, the impacts of that injury/condition vary from person to person, but keeping up with those exercises really helped and got me back to normal. I still get sore from time to time, but manage. I use a 12+ Oz racquet with a 315-320 SW. Good luck either way.

 

[basil J]

Cam, i am surprised you don't like this frame seeing that you like the wilsons. The RDS tour needs good strings to perform. I found that the yonex players frames have a muted feel to them that takes a bit to get used to, but once dialed in, it is a pretty sweet playing stick. I would give it a thorough test before disqualifying it. I gave up on it 6 mos. ago and now am enjoying it very much with VS gut. I thought it was a dog with poly. go figure.

 

[AndrewD]

Richard,

I'm actually looking at the RDS now that my shoulder impingement has flared up. To date, I've been using a Slazenger NX-One:great racquet but doesn't agree with my shoulder. Every time I play a few sets with it, my shoulder starts to hurt. Play a few sets with anything else and I have no trouble. Even swinging a 16.5oz POGOS didn't cause me any trouble. The issue is, I am convinced, the combination of static weight (12oz), swingweight (326/327) and balance (Even). All of those things in one package just put too much more stress on my shoulder.

 

[basil J]

Ok, I restrung with VS gut at 60#, & changed the crappy yonex grip with a prince duratec grip. I played my buddy who is a 4.5 and fairly big hitter, but steady like a rock. I lost 4-6, 4-6, but probably played better than I have in months. With the tension a bit tighter, I was able to go for my forehand with a bit more confidence without the fear of overhitting. I don't know what my issue was this summer but my 1HBH and my serves are rock solid with this frame. He thought I should dump the Dunlops, but I think not at this point. I am going to play a few more sets and see if I can maintain my level of play with this frame. It really is showing me no weakness right now and it is not as demanding as the 200G. I still hit bigger with the Dunlop, but I am getting more variety from the Yonex due to the larger head size and open string pattern.

 

[AndrewD]

I hit with the Yonex RDX 300 MP on Sunday and was greatly surprised at the performance. Fantastic racquet to serve with - good power, lots of slice, loads of kick-, excellent at net, typically Yonex on the slice backhand (excellent), nice touch/feel, very comfortable and no shoulder problems. I gather that the RDS 003 is the up-dated version of the RDX300 but it makes me curious to try the RDS002 and see how a standard length version performs.

 

[crism54]

you can tell me how is wide the oval, measuring it looking in front (3/9 position) what is innerly the ampleness of the oval (without counting the thickness of the frame)?

 

[basil J]

Update on this frame. Now that I have gotten completely dialed into this frame, I have been rotating between the 200GMW and the 002 tour easily without issue. I just found a new 200GMW and have only used it once, mainly due to how much I am liking the Yonex. I am 3-2 in match play with the yonex and I find that I am playing better with it every time on the court. Ironically where I really like this frame is the serve. The one shot I hated with it over the summer, I now find is my best shot with it. Go figure...

 

[nikosrf]

I have issues with my shoulder hitting with RQiS1T. I went back to my old 001MP and my shoulder is getting better, but my arm geting tighter after each game with it. Maybe because of the greater stiffness.
I own a 002T but with Yonex strings isn't so playble in my opinion. Maybe i should try both (001MP and 002T) with softer strings...

 

[basil J]

Yasou Nikolaki, my greek patrioti, Try the yonex with a soft multi or gut and you will be happily surprised. I too thought that the yonex 850 string played very crisp, almost too stiff. Now That I use gut on my frames, I am really convinced that sft strings are the way to go.

 

[hyogen]

And so, this is not the ultimate weapon?

wow. there is someone that is worse than me

 

[hyogen]

Is T-Fight perfect?

LOL! I love this guy <3 I could take him/her under my wing and feed him and pet him...

 

[nikosrf]

Yasou Nikolaki, my greek patrioti, Try the yonex with a soft multi or gut and you will be happily surprised. I too thought that the yonex 850 string played very crisp, almost too stiff. Now That I use gut on my frames, I am really convinced that sft strings are the way to go.

Ya sou basil J. Every day that i use 002T i find it even better. Very solid frame. I just have to get used to the extra weight and backswing earlier, and try to find the right strings. I think natural gut is too expensive. What's the next option in your opinion?

* i also thinking of going to the UL version of 002 TOUR (4 1/2). I heard good words about it

 

[basil J]

Try a good crisp multi like Klip excellerator ,wilson NXT, or technifire x1 biophase. I used to think that gut was too expensive as well, but I have found that with me anyways, it lasts 3 times as long as multis so it actually has become less expensive.

 

[basil J]

Ran out of gut and I had to restring my tour with Klip synthetic gut. Wow,I was surprised how well this string plays on this frame. I went w/ 60# mains/57# crosses. Solid and CRISP. This frame has quietly become my main stick. I haven't been playing much and when I do, I have been reaching for my yonex not my 200g.

 

[kungfusmkim]

Zach,
I thought the RDs002 tour has only been out for a little over a year. How could you be using it for over 6 years?

Got your butt busted Zach liar liar pants on fire go hang your self on a telephone wire! Muhahaha that was good basil u should be the next Sherlocke Holmes. basil did you play with the Standard version?

 

[basil J]

tour version. 4 1/2' grip. 12.5 oz. =sweetness..

 

[kungfusmkim]

so you finally find your soul mate after abandoning it? aww nothing like a good kick in the touche to get you going

 

[basil J]

Still love the 200GMW but it is much more demanding frame. The yonex right now is easier to use since I have been playing verry little to due family obligations.

 

[nikosrf]

still waiting to get my 002TOUR UL. Right now SL is too heavy for me.
Still use RQiS1 with some lead.

 

[basil J]

I added 1" strips of lead tape at 3:00 & 9:00 and it has made the hoop nice a solid and eliminates the need for a shock absorber, which I hate using.

 

[Vitaly Evchenkov]

i have decided to part with my Yonex 002 Tour racquets and pro bag.
(unless you guys can talk me out of it)
i absolutely love hitting with these racquets, but my swing speed appears to be slowing down and i just can't get the juice on my forehand anymore.
if i am playing pushers, i can crush them with acccuracy and variety.. but i play a few Moya-wannabes and they crush me with blistering forehand shots that leave me chasing balls and getting pushed around. I used to be able to keep up with them, but something has changed. Just can't whip this racquet around when I get defensive.
my serves and backhand are still AMAZING with the 002Tour, so I hope I can still maintain those if I switch... I guess any change will have its pros and cons... sigh.
as always, these have been treated w/ respect and utmost care.


check it out in the TT classifieds!

 

[nikosrf]

Maybe if you choose the lighter version?

 

[Vitaly Evchenkov]

do you mean 10.9oz RDS002

or the smaller grip size 002 Tour??

I would like to try the UL version... but then I have to build up the grip and that adds weight...the non-Tour seems too light though.

 

[nikosrf]

The smaller grip size 002 Tour.
I had the sam eproblem with the SL and i have ordered the UL version.
I think that the weight you ll add to the grip is not much and is gonna have better effect in the overall maze of the raquet

 

[skraggle]

i have decided to part with my Yonex 002 Tour racquets and pro bag.
(unless you guys can talk me out of it)
i absolutely love hitting with these racquets, but my swing speed appears to be slowing down and i just can't get the juice on my forehand anymore.
if i am playing pushers, i can crush them with acccuracy and variety.. but i play a few Moya-wannabes and they crush me with blistering forehand shots that leave me chasing balls and getting pushed around. I used to be able to keep up with them, but something has changed. Just can't whip this racquet around when I get defensive.
my serves and backhand are still AMAZING with the 002Tour, so I hope I can still maintain those if I switch... I guess any change will have its pros and cons... sigh.
as always, these have been treated w/ respect and utmost care.


check it out in the TT classifieds!

I'm guessing you tried the Ti-80, but if not, they do swing a lot easier for me...

 

[In D Zone]

Challenge of being able to whip thru the ball during defense.... That's the down side of heavier swing weight. However, I don't expect that I would be able to whip thru the ball everytime I go on the defense.

On the positive note - the extra swingweight offers you stablility / mass which really helps you get that extra lift to get the ball in when needed on defensive shots. Because of this advantage I know I have a higher % of returning the ball back instead of exhausting myself of trying to whip thru my shot -instead I worked on getting to the ball first then focused on honing my defensive shots with long heavy topspin (lowers the % of hitting the ball into the net ) and placement (hitting to the open court). I found that I am able to change the pace of the game, cool off the opponent and even set it up for me to go on the offense immediately right after the shot.

Admitedly it does require more work but once you got it down - I can assure you that you have added more variety to your arsenal. Using defense as an offense.... good example would be Nadal , Djokovic and Federer.

 

[Vitaly Evchenkov]

i am a 4.5 player and on good days with the 002Tour I have lost to a 5.0+ hitting partner 6-7 and 4-6.

my game is all about my first serve... and when it is on, i am a tough opponent. lots of aces, 2nd serve aces, and easy points. but when it is off... and it can go off very easily, my confidence wilts and i play horribly.

(on bad days... it is 2-6 and 1-6 losses)

I have decided to get a lighter frame with hopefully lower swingweight and see how I do then.

Of course, when I play lesser players, I have much more time and the Yonex feels superb. But I want to compete and hopefully beat the 5.0s, and while it might just be my shaky game, I think 5% might be the racquet which is a bit too demanding if I am not "feeling it" that day.
Most of the 5.0s I know play with tweeners, so it also looks a little silly when I am the only one that didn't play Div.1 tennis but I am the one using the heavy "tour" frame.

 

[El Guapo]

The smaller grip size 002 Tour.
I had the sam eproblem with the SL and i have ordered the UL version.
I think that the weight you ll add to the grip is not much and is gonna have better effect in the overall maze of the raquet

Isn't the 002 Tour UL basically the same as the 001 MP which you can get in any grip size?

 

[skraggle]

my game is all about my first serve... and when it is on, i am a tough opponent. lots of aces, 2nd serve aces, and easy points. but when it is off... and it can go off very easily, my confidence wilts and i play horribly.

Minus the 2nd serve aces, you just described me perfectly.

 

[In D Zone]

i am a 4.5 player and on good days with the 002Tour I have lost to a 5.0+ hitting partner 6-7 and 4-6.

my game is all about my first serve... and when it is on, i am a tough opponent. lots of aces, 2nd serve aces, and easy points. but when it is off... and it can go off very easily, my confidence wilts and i play horribly.

(on bad days... it is 2-6 and 1-6 losses)

I have decided to get a lighter frame with hopefully lower swingweight and see how I do then.

Of course, when I play lesser players, I have much more time and the Yonex feels superb. But I want to compete and hopefully beat the 5.0s, and while it might just be my shaky game, I think 5% might be the racquet which is a bit too demanding if I am not "feeling it" that day.
Most of the 5.0s I know play with tweeners, so it also looks a little silly when I am the only one that didn't play Div.1 tennis but I am the one using the heavy "tour" frame.

I can see you point! Playing against 4.5 and higher are definitely on the next level - speed and power are 10 to 20 mph faster. You got to be quick and having a lighter racquet does help!

 

[Vitaly Evchenkov]

I can see you point! Playing against 4.5 and higher are definitely on the next level - speed and power are 10 to 20 mph faster. You got to be quick and having a lighter racquet does help!

Well, I could go to the gym 4 times a week, and that would help.. but so far.. I am just too busy.
And if I worked at keeping the ball deep, I'd be OK too... but as soon as I leave one a little bit short against the really good guys, they start hammering them into the corners, charging the net and I get frustrated.

My backhand has just recently started to sizzle with the 002 TOUR, and if I could get that same pace and consistency on my forehand side, I would love it. I am getting some coaching, and my coach noticed that my forehand side breaks down and sometime I am late and can't hit the angles I want.

I really am unsure if a lighter racquet will fix these problems or if it is just my game... but I thought I better find out how I hit with something under 12oz to compare results.

 

[In D Zone]

Well, I could go to the gym 4 times a week, and that would help.. but so far.. I am just too busy.
And if I worked at keeping the ball deep, I'd be OK too... but as soon as I leave one a little bit short against the really good guys, they start hammering them into the corners, charging the net and I get frustrated.

My backhand has just recently started to sizzle with the 002 TOUR, and if I could get that same pace and consistency on my forehand side, I would love it. I am getting some coaching, and my coach noticed that my forehand side breaks down and sometime I am late and can't hit the angles I want.

I really am unsure if a lighter racquet will fix these problems or if it is just my game... but I thought I better find out how I hit with something under 12oz to compare results.

as you are checking out lighter racquets.... based on your comments above
: also look into a denser pattern racquets. I notice dense string offers better stability specially during heavy exchanges.

I played with my Volkl Tour V10 mid last Friday in a match and was shocked with how well the racquet performed. No saying that you go with the Volkl V10, this beast came with 12 oz static weight but with a light swingweight and mid flex racquet which allows me to attack the ball on the rise and hit at any direction at will. My opponent was shocked on how hard I was whipping thru the ball.

Another racquet I really like is the NTour 95 - 11 oz static weight, head heavy with dense pattern. RDX500 Mid is another one in mind - 12 oz. mid flex frame and light swingweight.
Hope you can find your weapon~ Good luck!

 

[nikosrf]

Isn't the 002 Tour UL basically the same as the 001 MP which you can get in any grip size?

I hope not according to their characterristics and what was said in this forum,
Eventhough their weight is about the same, seems like the distrubution of maze is different and i expept 002 TOUR UL to be more stable than 001MP.

I weighted my 001 MP and 002TOUR SL strung with overgrips, and were about the same size 335 gr (maybe 2 - 4 gr difference) but the 001 is easier to move (smaller swingweight) and the 002 T SL is more solid and easier to play against big hitter. You can retour a big hit, even if you late, very easy.
My problem is the swingweight.