I’m on one of my periods again and with that I mean one of those racquet switching periods. It ends up with me bringing 3-4 different kinds of racquets to the court. Not the best strategy for tournament play perhaps.
But it’s fun and it’s the most important thing, right? So I’ve just added two Babolat Pure Strikes 16×19 (Project One 7) to my bag. I simply couldn’t resist the power and stability that these racquets bring. Due to the high stiffness I might have to play around with string choice, but if I can find a decently comfortable option, I’m sure I’ll be happy with them. (I think I partly bought them because they look great, but that’s another story.)
Maybe it’s childish but I’m trying to channel Dominic Thiem‘s whopping ground strokes into my game. Sure, I’ll bring my trusted Yonex Ai 98 and Tecnifibre Tfight 315 Ltd’s along with me, but I hope I’ll groove with the new Pure Strikes
. It did feel great when I hit with it a few days ago so fingers crossed the feeling remains.
My racquet lust doesn’t stay there. I’m also keen on trying Paul Angell’s well-reviewed and praised racquets. I’m especially keen on the TC 97 Tour
(or Custom) in the following specs: 16×19 string pattern, 320 gr, 31 balance, and 63 RA. Never tried an Angell racquet, but the positive feedback among racquet lovers never ends so I think I definitely need to.
What it all boils down to right now is the struggle between comfort and control versus power. The Yonex Ai 98
and the Tecnifibre Tfight 315 Ltd
 give me both comfort and control, but I’m sometimes lacking that raw put-away-a-blasting-winner kind of power that I get from the new Babolat Pure Strikes
. My feeling is that a Angell TC 97 Tour
might be a good in-between option. Time will tell!
So right now will my mixed racquet bag will look like this:
2x Tecnifibre Tfight Ltd 315 (16×19) – strung with Solinco Hyper-G
2x Babolat Pure Strike (2017) (16×19) – testing strings.
2x Yonex Ai 98 – strung with Yonex Poly Tour Pro
Should I add two Angell TC 97 Tour? What do you guys think? How many types of racquets do you usually bring to the court?
4 comments
Have you modded your Ai’s at all? Got a pair and love them but want a little more headlight and swing weight ideally.
Some lead at 3 and 9 and an extra overgrip since my grip is 2 on these (normally 3). I would put a leather grip or some lead tape on the handle if you want them more head light. Good luck! Cheers / J
Hi Jonas,
Didnt you already buy an Angell? Its a shame;)
Ive one FS although 18/20 and finally my 3rd TEC 315 Ltd (but you arent plating them anymore:( im plating with it again (18/20 one)! And also slightly interested in yonex sv95 (did you play tested that one?) keep up your very informative and fun website!
Best maarten
Hi Maarten,
Nah, I haven’t tried them yet. But I’m very curious.
I am playing the Tec 315 Ltds sometimes, but testing different things at the moment :)
I haven’t tested the Yonex SV 95, but heard that the SV series is really nice.
Thanks for your comment about Tennisnerd – really appreciate it!
Cheers / Jonas