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Racquet recommendations
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I currently play with tfight iso 305 and I just read your review about the swing weight and your comment on how it may not be easy for all players. Wondering if you have a racquet recommendation for me that would be similar. Extreme western grip so I need spin potential. Possibly just something easier to use while still generating control power etc. I am demoing tf40 2024 currently and I think it’s nice I just don’t know why I’m not generating as much top spin
The new Tfight has a lower swing weight and is coming out in January. I like that one a lot, but I prefer the Tfight 315 even more. If you like top spin you need to try the Babolat Pure Aero 98.
Hi ! Recently took up my Prince Graphite 93 MP again, which I played thru the 90s and 2000s. Loved it instantly. Precision, control. Most fun to play. My natural mate. Bought a 2016 remake Graphite 110. Liked it a lot, but noticed I lack some precision and penetration compared to my old 93s during matchplay. To the extent that result turned around markably by just switching back to the 93.
Have played the Head Prestige 18/20 (string pattern because of the control and the available ideal 320 weight), RF Pro Model, Babolat Strike 18/20 and most recently Yonex VcorePro 320 18/20. To add some power and penetration, but lost finesse and confidence. Guess my ideal racqquet ist 320 16/18, as I with play spin, classic long stroke with semi western grip, one handed backhand, and love control. 18/20 does not feel ideal, consider going away from this for more pocketing. 305 and 310g feel (too) light.
Is there an equivalent to the POG 93 ? Maybe the Prince Phantom ?
Or others I should try. Yonex Precept ? Wilson Blade ?
Hi Philipp,
Find a Prince Phantom 93P and you will get that feel again.
If you like smaller head size, the HEAD Prestige Tour is nice.
You can also test the new Wilson RF Pro.
I have a 22 year old slave pro braided (black/white Henman frame). It’s only been hit with twice. Looks brand new. Is it worth re-stringing, or is it dead because of age?
That is worth playing! Nice one :)
Hey, I was wondering if you can give me racket advice. I’m a 16 year old tennis player who has played for 3 years, I have a one hander and last summer I started playing with the 310g V core pro because I heard it was very good for the one hand backhand. Now I am realizing it is way too heavy for me. I was wondering if you could give me ideas of rackets which would better suit an intermediate With a one hand backhand.
Thanks
Hi Raza, I would start looking into Tecnifibre Tfight 300, Wilson Steam 99, and HEAD Speed MP.
I’m trying to replace a head speed custom made, specs are 98 head size, 315mm balance, 23mm beam and 16/19 string pattern. I’ve tried 5 different rackets and whilst I’ve had some success even after customisation they just don’t seem right. I’ve tried ezone 98, speed pro, radical pro, pure aero and more recently wilson blade 98 and pro, any help is much appreciated
Hi Ben, it is tricky when you find a racquet that you like because no other model will feel exactly the same.
I think you should give the following racquets consideration: NordicDots Model 99, Tecnifibre Tfight 315 (the new one coming Jan 7th is great), Tecnifibre TF40 305 16/19.
Cheers / J
Hello, I’ll ask you a question if possible.
I’ve been using the Wilson Ultra 100 v4 for a year now and I use it with the Yonex Polytour Pro 1.30 string. I don’t think I can get the most out of the racket and my game with this string. Do you have any recommendations? I’d like to try it with the Luxilon Bigbanger but I’d like to know your opinion first.
Hi Jon, this all depends on numerous factors, your game, your style, physicality and more. Poly Tour Pro is not a bad string, but for more spin potential you can try Solinco Confidential, Nordicdots TS 127, Toroline Caviar or Tru Pro Pure Rush. You will get more free depth and a larger sweet spot by dropping tension a bit as well.
Hello I want to switch to the pro staff 97 but I’m not a big fan of the v14 color. I haven’t tried the v13 but I did demo the v14 and loved it. How much different is the v13 from the v14?
Hi,
The V13 is a bit firmer and not quite as nice in feel. However, it is less dampened, so if you want a more raw, firmer feel, the V13 is good. There is a V14 Noir version if you want a black Pro Staff.
Im 16 i play with pro staff 97 v13 im looking to switch to new racket i was looking at pro staff 6.1 v14 but idk if its too heavy.I play with 2 handed backhand and i didnt have problems with pro staff 97 .
I think the 6.1 is a bit too heavy, I would stay with the 97 and maybe upgrade to V14.
Hi there. I’ve found that I play very well with the Pure Strike Tour. 320 static unstrung, 334sw. It’s a little tiring after a few hours, but I can still play well with it even when I’m tired. I also play well with a pure aero rafa with a 335 sw. but only 308 unstrung static, but the stiffness is just terrible for my arm. I also just tried the new Tfight 300 in stock form 302 unstrung, and 288 sw. I played excellent off the baseline and approaching. Kick serve was big, but flat serve maybe a little slower, but still going in fine and can probably adjust to get more pace as I learn the frame, (I think). If you found that you play well with a lower sw and lighter racket, but maybe have more history with more of a “tour spec” and perhaps you hit a more pentrating shot with it, would you just learn how to do it with a lighter one and enjoy the other benefits of the lighter frame, or get it back up to the spec you are more used to?
Huge Fan of the site and content!
I have been tennis fanatic most of my life and started playing young. I have had stints throughout life where school/training took me away from the game, but really getting back into it now( turned 45 recently). I have been a baseline guy most of my life have a pretty big serve/forehand for only being 5 8″. I have been using the head speed pro with alu power and now solinco hyper-g for the last 4 years(around 50lbs). I really want to take my game to next level and hoping for rackets/string suggestions. I am hoping to get a little more power from the racket. No overt injuries, have a two handed backhand that was not so great growing up but much better, and more forehand is semi-western that I can create some good spin with. I have been trying the yonex and did not love the new ezone, but did like the feel of the v-core and percept. So many options so still trying some of these, but like the percept 100D. I also tried the Boom and Gravity, but still feel the speed pro is best for me of these. I did use the speed MP in the early 2010’s and wonder if the switch to the pro was good or bad. I have a loopy forehand and I might be a touch slow on service returns with the pro. Also tried the pure aero a few years ago and felt nice. Anyway would love any thoughts. And would even be open to the full consult.
Thanks Nitin, this sounds more like a consultation situation, but you mention the Percept 100D, which is an amazing racquet, so that would be my recommendation. The Speed Pro is good too, but more demanding, where the 100D is a bit more versatile. I would also considering demoing the Pure Aero 98.
I would call me early intermediate player.
I’m a head loyalist, so looking mainly for Head rackets. I like slightly heavier rackets. Currently playing 2024 Extreme Pro with Leathergrip.
I do love the new cosmetic of the Radical. It sound like Radical MP and Extreme Pro are pretty close together.
I’m hitting more flat with not too much Topspin.
So is it worth to think about the Radical?
Yes, for sure, it is worth considering the Radical. I prefer it over the Extreme Pro.
Hey, I actually play with the Head Speed MP 2024 singe last year, but I have the feeling, that I need a little more Control but definetly not less power. I am thinking to Demo some Yonex Rackets with a smaler headsize. But I don’t know which would be best for me, I am more of a baseliner. Any Suggestion?
Hi Julian, I would need more information and do a proper consultation https://bit.ly/TNconsult but a more controlled Speed MP from Yonex would be the Yonex Percept 100 or 100D. The 100D will offer the most control, but I think you will prefer the power from the regular Percept 100. Since you want a smaller head size, I would consider the new Ezone 98 2025.
Hi Jonas,
I am currently looking for a new racket. I am not currently using the Babolat Pure Aero 100 from 2019.
It is quite close to my ideal racket but after almost six years I want to try something new.
I am a leftie and play a lot of topspin on my forehand although I do not have the most powerful strokes. My one-handed backhand is rather flat and I like the slice.
As I am an aging counterpuncher at the end of my 30s and play mostly from the baseline. On faster surfaces I do like to attack and finish my points at the net. I have some shoulder Problems when it comes to overhead strokes.
I have tested the Vcore 100 (too launchy) the Blade 100 (too difficult to swing), the Extreme pro (too many mishits) and the Clash 100 v2 (not powerful enough).
Which rackets would you recommend to try? I thought of the new Ezone 100 and 98, as well as the Pure Drive 100 and the Vcore 98. Would recommend testing other rackets?
As a string I currently use the MSV Swift.
Best regards
Christof
Hi Christof, I think you have a good idea of what to test. The Ezones and the VCORE 98 is a good idea as well as the Pure Drive 100. Maybe consider the Dunlop SX 300 and the Nordicdots Model 100 as well.
My question is simple…golfers get fitted for golf clubs that suit their style of play…how do I know what type of racket fits my style? I hear about flat hitters vs spin heavy hitters etc….how do I know which category I fall into? My grip? If I want to play spin I buy an aero? If I want to hit flat I buy a gravity mp? Is it as simple as that? If Alcaraz used Sinners racket, what happens? Maybe not that simple after all.
Regards
Jonathan
Hi Jonathan,
Yes, we are far away from golf in terms of getting a custom racquet fitting, etc. Maybe we will get there in the future. You have to think of racquets like what you want more of. If you want higher shots and more spin, go for spin racquets. If you need help with extra depth, go for power racquets. If you want more control, go for more control-oriented racquets. If you don’t know what you want, there are more versatile racquets like the Speed, Model 100, Percept 100. It is definitely not simple and the best idea is to demo or try as much as you can to get an idea of what you like.
Regards / Jonas
Hey Jonas. Big fan. I’ve been playing with the blade 16×19 v9 since it came out. Love the racquet, so much so that I endure the physical pain it causes. Tried switching to an ezone 100 but came back to the blade despite the discomfort. Just love the racquet. I string it with technifibre multifeel, which helps but off center shots don’t feel so great. Could you recommend one more string to try with maybe better comfort and a bit more power (I know it’s tough since the multifeel is both of those things already) before I give up on the blade?
Hey Jon, it does not sound good that the racquet creates physical pain for you. It does sound like it might be time to give up on the Blade. You can try Tecnifibre X-One Bi-phase or Wilson NXT Comfort for an even softer response and see if it helps. You can, of course, also try to string at a slightly lower tension.
Maybe it is not the racquet but something in your technique or timing you can work on? I also recommend doing strength training outside of tennis to make sure you are strong before you enter the court.
Hope you get rid of the discomfort. Cheers / J
Hi!
I am in the process of switching racket (moving away from the prestige pro 2021). I liked that racket pretty much on my good days, the others are somewhat of a nightmare. The main reason im switching is because I havent been able to play often as before and the Prestige pro’s are extremely demanding. and I feel like it’s hurting my game since my level’s dropping off
Im really interested in the ultra pro 18×20 and the tfight 305s. Im a flat hitter and move alot (sometimes play aggressive at the baseline and often move into finishing points at the net)
I rely very much on my forehand and serve. I have tried the ultra pro’s 18×20 and played one of the best tennis in my life and had lots of fun
however im also interested in the new tfight 305s. I only tried the 300s but it felt really good. However do to the lower weight i tend to play more defensively which i dont like
Can you please give me some view points to help me pick my next rackets?
Hi,
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In short:
The Ultra Pro is also quite demanding, so I would go for the 305S.
Regards / Jonas
Hi Jonas! I have been playing tennis for 2 and a half years now, it’s not a lot but I’ve always been active sportswise so I’m decently fit (I’m also 26) and I’ve also been improving pretty fast technique-wise. My racquet is a 2021 Vcore 100 (with 1 gram At 3 and 9 each) that I bought because on sale when I started taking lessons. I don’t know my exact ranking since I only played a tournament (the ones that give you points) and the ranking system in Italy is different but I should be around a 6.5-7 UTR (based on a converter that I found online).
I have a pretty flat 2 handed backhand and a more spinny (not super spinny either, i also like to flatten it out sometimes) forehand, while I am ok with my racquet on the forehand side, I really don’t like it ok my backand, probably also because my swing isn’t as fast on that side. I am looking for a racquet that is better for redirecting pace or precision on my flatter backhand without getting too heavy because that would ruin my faster forehand swing I think.
I have tested the dunlop FX500 but I didn’t really like how it felt, felt a bit launchy At times and not as fast as my Vcore, but the backhand was pretty good.
I also tested the prince ats tour 100P that I found too light at first even tough it weighted a lor more than my vcore, I ended up adding 2 grams ar 10 and 14 each and i found it to be amazing for my backhand but too heavy for my forehand against better players who accelerate more.
What would you consider testing? Strings used were MSV Focus Hex on my Vcore and on the FX500 at 22-21kg and head hawk at 21-20kg on the prince. Thanks!!
Hi,
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In short:
Yonex Ezone 98
HEAD Speed MP
Nordicdots Model 100
Regards / Jonas
what racket setup is taylor fritz actually using?
There is a post on the site. He uses the HEAD IG Radical MP with a poly/gut hybrid.
Hi, I wanted to ask which string you recommend for the pure Aero 98?
Hi,
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In short:
Nordicdots TS 127 (firm)
Toroline O-Toro Spin (softer)
Tru Pro Pure Rush (medium)
Regards / Jonas
I’m looking at making a switch from the PA 98 to the VCore 98 due to some elbow pain I’ve developed. My setup was PA98 with OToro at 52 lbs. I just demoed the VCore and immediately felt the softness from the frame and liked it for my elbow but feel like I’m missing some control. Any recs on the best string setup to add some control to the racket?
Hi,
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In short:
O-Toro is a very soft string. O-Toro Spin is a little better. You can also try Solinco Mach-10 or Tru Pro Pure Rush for a bit more control.
Regards / Jonas
Hey Jonas,
Question on some best string options for Pure Aero 98. I’m a UTR 5 player and recently switched from Head Speed MP to the Aero 98. In the speed mp I was using 4g soft 16L mains and Hyper G 17 crosses at 47#. I started using that in the PA98 and it is OK, but not getting as much spin as I would like. I can’t do strings much firmer than the Hyper G 17. What would be a few options to try out if I am looking for playability duration, tension maintenance, and spin? Nothing too stiff, and will probably string 47 to 49 pounds. Thanks!
Hi,
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In short:
Solinco Mach-10
Toroline O-Toro Spin
Tru Pro Pure Rush
Regards / Jonas
I’m really struggling with golfer’s elbow.
Got any advice on strings?
Hi,
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In short:
Lower your string tension.
String it up with a multifilament string until healed.
If you want to use poly, go for a softer one like Solinco Mach 10 or Toroline O Toro Spin, and don’t string above 49 lbs / 22 kg.
Regards / Jonas
Hi Jonas! From argentina ??!! Do you have strings recomendations por ezone 98 and prostaff v14 (315 grms) that you think, plays the best as string/raquet combo? Thank you very much!!
Saludos. Ezone 98 – Poly Tour Pro yellow. Pro Staff: Wilson NXT mains and Alu Power crosses.
What do you find is the best string to reign in the higher launch angle of vcore 100 to allow for both flat and spin hitting?
That is tricky. Go for a round string and up the tension
I have been playing tennis since I was 6. Now I’m 19. I left it for a few years, but now I’m back and on track to play senior tournaments very soon.
I’m thinking about switching racquets. Currently, I’m using the Wilson Burn 100s CV with the 18*16 string pattern, which is good but lacks feel for me. It has plenty of spin, though.
I’m a top-spin heavy player using plenty of the kick serve and the slice shot, with a one-handed backhand. So I feel a 16*19 pattern will be best for me after research, but I’m open to advice.
So I have selected the following racquets, please help me choose among them, or recommend any others to check out/
1. Yonex Percept 100
2. Yonex VCORE 100
3. Babolat Pure Strike 100
Thank you!
Regards.
Hi Jonas and team. I am an intermediate+ player and currently play with a Vcore 100 strung with Poly Tour Strike. I like it a lot when it is fresh, it seems to lose snapback after 5, 6h of play even if the tension holds well. I am more of a hit through player with an ok amount of spin, not a big loopy spinny ball.
I am switching (if it goes well of course) to the gravity tour. I will first try with poly tour strike just to keep consistency but Ill demo some different setups as well. I am thinking about Lynx tour crossed with hawk touch (full bed of Lynx tour is too stiff for me), full bed of Toro Toro, full bed of Caviar and Caviar crossed with Absolute. I dont have access to a lot of brands in my country but I am travelling to the US so I will get a few sets of Toroline.
Would you recommend anything else? I thought about mach10 as well, not sure how it fits the gravity tour and my style, since I prefer control oriented strings.
Thanks
Best
Hey Diogo,
Sounds like a reasonable change, do you mean the Gravity Tour 100 or 98? The 98 has a pretty high launch angle, just so you know. Restring Vivo, Toroline O-Toro Tour, Solinco Mach-10 (softer) are all solid options.