To find the right weight racquet, you need to demo several racquets and see if you can swing them easily on all planes of contact without quickly fatiguing. Say (insert some non japanese manufacturer) has this connecting rod that is to be produced with 50 mm length +- 2 mm. So does the Wilson marketing live up to the hype and provide great power performance with great comfort? They are: That's it! So if you feel like you need control it’s either a case of using a poly, stringing a multi quite tight or going for a hybrid. Is there an equivalent model in the market right now? The players you bring up, who after I have googled, are both in their sixties. I am not a huge fan of the Graphene stuff, but these latest versions are definitely the best iteration. “synthetic gut”, a terrible misnomer) at 55 lbf no matter what frame, and then check: Up at the net, the 305g weight offers excellent control, and you'll be able to finish points with punchy volleys. 16 main strings x 19 crosses. If it one feels too stiff/dead/powerless, use nylon multifilament next. I’ve had back pain in the last 2 years, so I just need to strengthen my back. This model has a new throat construction designed to aid topspin and the traditional Yonex isometric head shape, and it plays very similarly to the Vcore Pro 97 310g but is slightly easier to swing. This adds more power to the frame, at the price of making the racquet harder to swing and manoeuvre. The string pattern relates to the number of the cross and main strings on the racquet, e.g. I am using volkl super G v1 pro racquet strung with volkl cyclone. in 1979, The Hollywood Show … If you want to learn a bit more about peRFect tennis and what to expect from the site, then head over to the about page. The price of the string will be added to your order once processed. This frame uses the same mould as the 2018 version, but Babolat has improved the frame's feel, edging it closer in playability to the original Pure Drive from the early 1990s. And also their 285grams (unstrung) model with 1 or HL is another one that I don’t see reviews though. My favourite in the lineup is the Tour model as it's the most stable of the range and why I included it in this list. That, to me, is a waste of money! I just place the ball. I have to start the swing much earlier and focus hard on doing it the right way. *If the string you want is not in the menu, select "String not in this menu" and on the next page type the name of the string into the stringing instructions. Quite a spin/control orientated setup which isn't my natural style of play but I've hit with RPM Blast hundreds of time, so this was ideal for getting a quick understanding of how the frame played. Recommended by Amy Chua, Anne ... whom Dorian murders. Would you recommend the Ezone 100? While not one I've picked as my go-to frame, it's easy to see why the Blade 98 is one of the most popular and recognisable racquets out there. 1 Background 2 Content 2.1 7500 BCE 2.2 1066 2.3 1215 2.4 1600s 2.5 1612 2.6 1634 2.7 1660 2.8 1680 2.9 1690 2.10 1692 2.11 1697 2.12 1711 2.13 1713 2.14 1714 2.15 1723 2.16 1733 2.17 1742 2.18 1755 2.19 1768 2.20 1770 2.21 1775 2.22 1776 2.23 1783 2.24 1787 2.25 1791 2.26 1797 2.27 1798 2.28 1816 2.29 1823 2.30 1845 2.31 1850 2.32 1851 2.33 1853 2.34 1854 2.35 … Is there any nice racket from Head with the similar specs with the newest Ezone 98 (305g) you think? As a result, when you hit a ball off-centre, the racquet can resist twisting more, reducing the miss-hits and balls flying where you don't want them. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. ... "as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print." Interesting thoughts but I don’t think this is generally good advice for the vast majority of players. This is due to newswire licensing terms. One of the best-selling racquets since the start of this Millenium, the Babolat Pure Drive has received a revamp for 2021. Head size: 100 in². A softer frame will absorb more energy from the ball and take power away from the shot. Beginner Racquets: light racquets with large head sizes and head heavy balances, Intermediate Racquets: slightly heavier than beginner racquets with moderately large head sizes and neutral or slightly head-light balances, Advanced Racquets: heavy racquets with medium head sizes and head-light balances, Yonex offer good quality control on all their racquets, Perfect racquet for the modern tennis player, More consistent response from the stringbed than previous models, Stiff frame, so something to be aware of if you have arm issues, Somewhat sceptical of the longevity of the velvet paint but no issues so far, Will be difficult to control the ball for players who hit big, Not the best racquet if you struggle to generate your own power on serve, Offers plenty of power from the back of the court, Some players report the Pure Strike is not the most arm friendly of frames out there, Variable quality control (often an issue with Wilson also), Can be a little erratic / less precise than some players frames, Lightweight but slightly higher swing weight gives a solid feeling, For most players, this racquet is too heavy and will reduce their overall enjoyment of the game. As for a starter string, a great point to kick off is a solid core nylon (a.k.a. I have not tried the Clash 98 model, which may be more suited to my game. The head of the frame's weight puts extra torque on the wrist, elbow, and shoulder during the swing. Password requirements: 6 to 30 characters long; ASCII characters only (characters found on a standard US keyboard); must contain at least 4 different symbols; The Wilson Clash 100 Tour comes in at 310g unstrung and has an RA stiffness rating of 55 making it neither of those. Headsize: 100in². You should not feel that you must swing harder, nor hold back your normal swing to get the ball to go where you want it. Call or email us with your questions, and a Racquet Expert will be happy to point you in the right direction! It's not easy to play with and requires you to hit through the ball but even if you're new to the game, this frame forced you t learn correct, full strokes, making the Pro Staff 97 V13 a good choice. Some of the best age-division players in the country/world (i.e., Mark Vines, Mike Tammen, et.al.– use 110 sq.in rackets enabling them to have complete control AND power on their serves/volleys/groundstrokes/etc…they’re able to fully take advantage of the bigger sweet spot with the larger head size. Rounding our list of best tennis racquets for intermediate is the Wilson Clash 100. I recommend a looser 16 x 19 pattern for most players as access to spin is such a massive part of the modern game. Standard Length. (I’m thinking about writing something about overgrips one of these days. Thanks a lot for educating players like me. For control type players who want a lighter weight player’s frame, I think the VCORE Pro 100 is a great option. Thanks! Any player who struggles to generate power will benefit from a more power orientated frame so if the Wilson suits your game, then I would use that. This a big spin players racquet for those who like to sit behind the baseline and have that modern Khachanov, Kyrgios style next-gen modern forehand. I play 2-3 a week and getting lessons. Wow, that is nice write up, makes also more sense than the common advice of getting a light racket. Just because I recommend a racquet does not mean it's the ideal one for your game. If you have to think about the equipment in your hand, you will not play to your full potential. I found generating racquet head speed with this racquet a cinch, and for a 300g racquet, it has decent levels of power from the baseline. There are hundreds of posts asking questions like “which racquet should I buy?” “what is the best tennis racquet brand?”  “what tennis racquet is best for me?” ‘is the Wilson RF97 Pro Staff a good buy?' After hitting with the V7, I found that is certainly the case and partly why this is my favourite version of the Blade to date. Wilson's Clash range is essentially their new flagship product, and Wilson is said to have spent five years developing the Clash to produce a racquet designed to kill the notion that stiffer racquets are always more powerful. My first inquiry would be–who’s your audience? Tennis Nerd has a review also which is worth checking out – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GV5nmSIago, I found your article interesting, but very much disagree with your premise that the racket head should be in the 98-100 sq.in. However, the Ezone 98 is such a good all-rounder for the modern type game, and for intermediate and advanced players, it's one you should definitely demo. Is the one which is cheaper and of some color other than Matt Green a different racquet? When you consider the tremendous amount of racquets available, and pair them with the even larger selection of strings on the market, you are looking at a mountain of combinations! Babolat Pure Drive 2021 tennis racket review . The stiffer the string bed, the less variation you will get when you hit the ball. However when I look at racquets and their specs online it always seem to be the lightest ones that have the higher power ratings. Like stiffness, head size is another tricky area to say one is better than the other. Lesser players, some of which consider them as a very good intermediate player, now ask me to go easy on my serve else they fear getting hurt. The Clash tennis racquets from Wilson are excellent for beginners and high-level intermediate players. It’s great for cleaning up the technique but it can tire me. But I do not make a full swing. Of course, his spec is slightly different from the retail version but it's certainly the type of frame that suits his game as it has lots of manoeuvrability, plenty power, a large sweet spot and great feel. Expand your Outlook. They must keep earning money and the way do do that is by convincing you that each new model is a revolution. The exception will be if you are a very flat hitter who uses little spin, in which case a tighter pattern might give you a more consistent response. It's also comfortable to play with; this may be because Yonex has added their Vibration Dampening Mesh into the handle to help reduce unwanted vibrations. Please note: the name of this racquet has been changed to Clash 100 Pro. then it probably won't be to their taste. Is it the Vcore racquet instead of the Vcore Pro? I reckon I need a heavier racket, I am not experienced enough to know what type of style I prefer playing. I enjoyed the article, as all the others on this site. If yes, where does it stand? But you don’t need to go too heavy, you can always add lead tape if you feel like you need more weight, whereas reducing it is impossible. That's why we have a talented group of Racquet Experts on staff to help each player find the right racquet and string combination for their play style. Called V13, it's been the racquet I've used most frequently for the last six months. Thanks. It's also a brings some easy power on serve, so it is ideal if you want some extra pop on your first serve. With its light weight and great feel, this is a great option for the dedicated beginner or intermediate players who wants a versatile oversize racquet. Up at the net, players who are approaching on a wing and a prayer might prefer a racquet with a bit more weight behind it as I would say that the Vcore Pro 100 doesn't have the best rotational stability, but it does offer plenty of feel for touch players thanks to that 21mm beam. You should be able to pick up your racquet and play with it without a second thought. They're just throwaway terms that hopefully lure you in. I expected them to be Yonex Strings. We've developed a suite of premium Outlook features for people with advanced email and calendar needs. Many people still want them today. What I do is I run up to a dragon, hit it once, and go to an area where ads wont kill me. & Mrs. Smith’ Series at Amazon The 'Atlanta' and 'Fleabag' duo will create and star in the series, based on the 2005 movie of the same name. Very informative. This racquet has a bigger head size(105 sq in) and much lower unstrung weight( 262grams) than the Yonex rackets. But there is a trade-off here and a big one. It's a flexible racquet with great control and comfort. I also think their frames play well, the DR98 was such a good racquet. Samuel P Huntington The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order 1996. These concepts are designed to allow the racquet to bend in different ways and are achieved by laying the carbon fibre at different angles to produce new flex points that competing racquets can’t achieve. For a baseliner with fast swings it’s one to demo for sure. Maybe the only one with a bit of credence is the Clash line as i think they have changed up the manufacturing process for it a bit but I haven’t really looked into it. TW Racquet Experts Selecting the right racquet and string for your game can be a difficult task. The great feel comes in part from its low stiffness level (55-RA), which gives it a nice boost in pocketing, dwell time and control. The stiffness of a racquet contributes to power and comfort. wondering if that can be considered but I am skeptical to losr control there. A great option for intermediate players. Add to that, this carbon mapping enables you to remain flexible with every swing. How does Andy Murray fit all these wild cards in his tennis bag? All racquets have differing weights, swing weights, stiffness ratings, string patterns and head sizes. Some are just in the public domain. The balance essentially controls one thing: the ‘swing weight’ of the racquet. Overall this is a solid racket and another step forward for the Blade series which has continued to grow in popularity since it was first launched with the nBlade. The arm-friendly feel is a nice bonus. Low end: my ground strokes become short and jerky and I get terribly lazy with the foot work…. I know it's not a stereotypical ‘players' frame as it's reasonably light and does need the right string setup to ensure you get control. I prefer the 16 x 19 variant due to spin potential compared to the 18 x 20, and while it's not as manoeuvrable or fast as the Pure Drive, I don't think many players will have trouble swinging this 305g frame around. Thanks a ton! Headsize: 108in². Now we know that's just marketing bullshit. I also like how Babolat have thickened up the beam for added stability, and you'll have no trouble generating plenty of power & spin from this frame. When strung correctly with a good multifilament (NXT 16 gauge at 64-68lbs)–its become a very favored racket by dozens of accomplished players. It's easy to play with, but with a slightly higher swing weight than the previous model, it offers plenty of stability and doesn't get pushed around too easily from the baseline. Ideal for intermediate and advanced players, the Speed MP specializes in controllable power and great feel. I watch all his matches from Grand Slam level right down to ATP 250. I've put that in quote marks because I find it difficult to throw that word around when it comes to racquets, but I will say that Wilson has produced something unique. That change has meant a much more consistent response, combine that with more feel due to no countervail, and you have a classic feeling Pro Staff. For me, a bigger head size, lower weight and a multifilament like NXT which you(Jonathan) do not recommend is actually working. The current Yonex Ezone 98 2020 model is one racquet I am considering. As I said, control has never been an issue for me. February 12. If a racquet feels too stiff, too flimsy, too muted, too light, too heavy, the grip doesn't feel right, you hate the colour, or it hurts in any way when you are hitting, then it isn't the right racquet for you. The way the racquet feels to you, the way it plays and the way it looks. Anyway, could have been another outcome. Leave a comment below or contact me and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. Headsize: 98in�. To see why heavier racquets have more power take this example: if you have Racquet Wilson, 400g and Racquet Head which is 200g and you swing both of them at 150mph, then Racquet Wilson will hit the ball with twice as much power than Racquet Head. Cosmetically Babolat has done an outstanding job with the new Pure Drive, and it's one of the best-looking frames on the market today. I sort of now do not know what to believe. racket will prove to be a terrific choice If you were hoping for this blog post to provide a list of the Top 10 racquets available right now, then I have some bad news for you this guide is more orientated around finding the best racquet for your game, not giving a single frame a moniker of best. String Pattern: 16x19. BABOLAT PURE DRIVE LITE & YONEX EZONE 100SL (DEEP BLUE) WHICH IS BETTER. I’m curious if anyone has tried the pure drive 2021 compared to the pure drive vs. When more of the mass is further out from the centre of rotation towards the racquet's hoop, this is head heavy. A looser string pattern will generate more spin than a tighter string pattern as there is more space between the strings; this creates more movement between them. Yes I agree far too much marketing stuff on ‘technology’. All you get is a racquet that hinders stroke development and increases your chances of suffering tennis-related injuries. But sometimes there is irrational but irresistible need to have a new one – in this case look for a new frame with possibly similar subjective feel as your old one.. Wilson Clash 108. Thanks for the great article! Firstly they got rid of the countervail technology that I disliked, but the other big change is the grommet layup which changes the string spacing. The site primarily focuses on the men’s game with a bias towards Roger Federer but also covers the financials of the sports, equipment reviews, strings, and every tournament at Grand Slam, 1000, and 500 level. Black elastic base, exposed carbon fibre weave with gloss finish at the tip. Yonex VcorePro 100 300(Friend). Based on the common advice I got a 275g racket….. Just yesterday, I was down 1-3 with my Yonex Ezone 98 2020. Someone who is picking up volleys non-stop? 270-310g, 3-8 points headlight, 16×19 string pattern, 98-105 sq” head size. Ultimately there is no right answer What works for one player, will not work for another. But it does seem to translate to more spin thanks to the wider spacing between the upper cross strings. I was wrong when I thought Wilson Federer Pro 105 strung with Wilson NXT 16 was a great combination. When a racquet strikes a tennis ball, it vibrates. Whistling yelling etc during the serve. If you're a beginner, demo this racquet, if you're an intermediate, demo this racquet or if you're an advanced player, demo this racquet. Because what works brilliantly for one player, will not work for another. But the supplier said he gets unstrung racquets and when asked for factory strings, he just uses the cheapest string available(Dunlop ones) and sends it across. After writing this post, I was asked why I didn’t include the latest Wilson RF 97 Autograph racquet in my Top 5 tennis racquets? There's a good reason for that because they make extremely playable frames that suit many different game styles. I´ve been playing tennis for over 35 years and still remember the time graphite racquets were a novelty (and came to be the way to go). EXCELLENT KNOWLEGABLE WRITE-UP Giving any racquet ‘best' status is misleading, and the result is consumers parting with their hard-earned cash on a racquet that might not be suited to their game. They've done this by introducing two new ‘innovations'. Offering a more dampened feel than the previous generation, the Pure Strike 16x19 3rd Gen remains one of the most seductive player's racquets in its class. String Pattern: 16x20. Many racquets skew heavily toward power or control, but the Clash seeks to strike a balance for an arm-friendly tennis racquet that also provides an exceptional response. String Pattern: 16x19. I am looking more for control. My serves are big. If you want more spin, 16 x 19. Stiffness to personal preference after demoing. Going stronger than ever since its first event in Los Angeles. Huge fan of Roger Federer. ), Yeah deffo, I have a list of post ideas and overgrips is one of them…. Whereas others in the club say lighter is better. This often means racquets of virtually identical specs are entirely interchangeable. I think Yonex has the best quality control, you can very easily match racquets without needing to add weight all over the place like Wilson. If you can wait a month or two then you will get a full picture of the frame, albeit from my perspective. I would also add that there’s no “technology” in racquets. unstrung, and due to its manufactured length of 27.7in–I found it was much preferred when I cut the handle shorter to attain the standard 27 in. It’s 8.1oz. Or are you always late? Is it because they are Japanese? The next job is to try to match each of those factors to a specification that suits your strength, goals and game style. A lower number rating indicates a more flexible racquet and the higher number a stiffer racquet with the vast majority carrying between a 55 and 75 RA rating. mydeal.com.au/yonex-vcore-pro-100-300g-tennis-racquet-956913, mydeal.com.au/yonex-vcore-pro-100-matte-green-300g-tennis-racquet-1124127. String Pattern: 16x19. All the marketing material from the racquet brands focus on the sweet spot's size, the power of the racquet and various other buzzwords that don't mean much. With the Pure Strike, Babolat has produced a top-quality modern player’s racquet. This is a fantastic write-up Jonathan Weight is the number one factor in determining the power of the racquet. Now with the Yonex Ezone 98 with Yonex Rexis string, my game is excellent. The output will be 51.9, 48.8, 50.7, etc For my level and style of the game I can replace both frames during the game and I don’t feel any substantial (subjective) difference). RPM Blast is a stiff poly so very much a control orientated string. I feell some minor diferences in the way my “default” (head prestige mp) racket feels, but, in my opinion, the big change over the years have been the string tech. With great amount of control, Very few occasions do I make an error. All tennis racquets come with a recommended tension range from the manufacturer. But how does that relate to comfort? The weight should fall slightly lower for a normal adult female: 280-310g (10.2-11oz). I got it strung with the Yonex Rexis string at 57lbs. Since then it’s gone on to be one of the largest independently owned website for tennis news and a platform for fans to share their views on the game. You get the gist . Like weight, there is a trade-off here as the wider the head becomes, the more difficult it is for the player to twist the racquet when they want to. Your article looks great. The Wilson Clash 100 Tour comes in at 310g unstrung and has an RA stiffness rating of 55 making it neither of those. Wilson Pro Overgrip 12 Grip Pack White $12.95. Either RPM blast 18g at a decent tension like 53 for this model or go with Babolat Xcel 16g kind of multi at 55 is something I should try…Again, I am thinking all these loud and just typing it out. String Pattern: 16x19. The 2015 Russian military intervention in Syria was a pivotal moment for Moscow’s Middle East policy. I am looking to demo and buy Yonex ezone 98 (2020 model). I also felt like the ping sound at contact was dulled in the Vcore Pro 100. I swapped it with my Wilson and I ended up winning 6-4. Wilson Blade 98 16×19 v7: 50-60 lbs. Super helpful because demoing hasn’t quite reached India yet. Anyone can crush hand-fed balls no matter how heavy the racquet is, and anyone can convince themself that a racquet is brilliant when they test it out for 20 minutes against Auntie Annie and her chipped forehand. Length: 27.25". Most of the rackets iv played with the last 20 something years have changed little. Like most mass manufacturers, quality control can vary, so if you are buying a matching pair, ask the retailer to try to get them as close as possible on the spec sheet as there are reports of some frames being quite a bit off from the quoted specs. Don't buy a heavier racquet to grow into it if you are not prepared to put in the work. But is softer always better? These are given in points by the manufacturer. Dunlop FX 500 review . Trust me when I say you might feel like Federer when you step onto the court, but 5 minutes into the match when you're making unforced errors galore it soon wears off . This extra strain means head-heavy racquets are a significant cause of ‘tennis elbow’ and other tennis-related injuries. While that is a typical gimmicky marketing style name, it does mean this iteration of the Blade has a slightly more flexible frame designed to give more of a ball pocketing feel. Every show features different TV and movie stars from the '60s, '70s, '80s and beyond -- see the full event listing for a link to the next show's lineup. The post I have written is based on what I know to be true about physics and some of my own experiences. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sir_Henry_Wilson,_1st_Baronet Now we've got that out of the way I recommend you read this guide in full to gain a better understanding of tennis racquets and that will put you well on the way to finding the best tennis racquet for your game. If you like to spank topspin balls like Nadal from the baseline, other racquets are better suited to your game. Even Fed sacked it off after like 2 tournaments. Headsize: 100in�. The thinner beam on the vs could make it more maneuverable but is the racket still as powerful and stable? The Ezone 100 or 98 is a good racquet. Thanks! I felt the ball on my strings that little bit longer, which is ideal for my game as I use the slice on the backhand often and play with a fair bit of variation. It’s the same format as the last Davis Cup. I usually gauge the racquet weight limits like this: Standard Length. After a game or 2 I can continue with Dunlop and nobody notices, I just changed the racket Only Thiem must cry for a while because of ugly treachery . Never change the racket you used for long time and din’t really feel , you need a new one. I am not a fan of tight tension multifilament..tried that earlier and couldn’t nplau well. You'll find more information on cookies at, Stay up to date on arrivals and special offers. For me, the EZONE 98 is one of the most user-friendly player's racquets out there, and it's my top pick for 2021 because it suits lots of different game styles. The only real thing to be careful of is that it's a stiff frame so it can cause arm issues and if you're a player that naturally hits a big ball, you might struggle for consistency but other than that it's a solid buy for all levels. My favourite racquet from the French firm is the Pure Strike 16×19 which is the racquet of choice for Dominic Thiem. This modern player's racquet offers high comfort and accurate targeting on full swings.