Yonex RDX 500 vs. Yonex RD ti 80

[Jerry Seinfeld]

Hit a set tonight with an RDX 500 MP 16 x 19. Wanted to see how it compared to my ti 80. Since specs were similar I wasn't expecting much difference, but I was surprised.

The RDX 500 plays as if it has a higher swingweight and seems to be more head heavy than the ti 80. I am going to check balance point and weights tomorrow, but found them to feel completely different. The ti-80 offers more feedback and the 500 is more muted. I was getting more power from the 500 off the ground, but surprisingly was unable to maneuver the head as well on the serve and overheads. The result found me hitting the ball long on these shots. I just couldn't generate the same head speed on serves or overheads. Surprising to me, maybe it was fatigue. The control was there on groundies and service returns. With the modest power boost, I may give the edge on these strokes to the RDX 500.

Need to hit a few more sets to draw final conclusions. Thought some of the Yonex users might be interested in my findings. After only one set of play, I found the RDX 500 to offer a unique feel for a Yonex stick...plays differently than most Yonex sticks I've used. I am definitely not ready to switch from my ti-80, (Yonex's 2nd most underrated stick EVER!!!...1st was the old RQ260), but will give the RDX 500 a few more hitting sessions and see how it compares.

I also noticed the cosmetics on the RDX 500 were very fragile. Paint chipped easily. Not the case with the ti-80.

 

[swilburn]

Jerry, I found the RDX to be 6 points head light were the Ti 80 is supposed to be 8 points head light. This should make the ti 80 more agile. I feel that Yonex made the RDX more head heavy to compensate for the lower weight.

 

[b.]

Reading reviews of RDX 500 is a :evil: (instead of cursing) roller coaster ride.

Jerry, can you be more specific (and poetic if needed) - what is crucial difference in feel to classic Yonex feel?

And, please, if you don't have overwrap - can you measure girth of handle and tell me what it is (measured and nominal).

I measured handle on my current Head with a narrow strip of paper, and it was exactly what it should be (114 - 114.5mm for 4 1/2). I marked wrapped paper and measured it after.

Since I'm Yonexless at the moment, and 4 1/2 on Head is small for me, I have to decide between 4 1/2 and 4 5/8, but Yonex handless are supposed to be bigger...

Thanks.