The Best Tennis Racquets Right Now (Good Ideas for Xmas Gifts)
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I watched your review of the Wilson Shift V1, tried it, and absolutely loved it. I'm making shots that my Vokl V1 MP never made effortlessly. Thanks!
Thank you for this video!
Always on the top, as usual👍
Awesome review as always. I appreciate that you take into account the player demographics in your recommendations and their specific needs. Many reviewers are excellent players like yourself and only seem to like racquets that are super heavy and small head sizes but you factor in the needs of all players so that’s makes you the TennisNerd of all tennisnerds. Thanks for all you do for the game and have a Merry Christmas.
That is very kind of you. I try my best to think of all levels and styles; our different approaches to the game make it more interesting! Merry Xmas
Thanks for the great insight as always. Have you tried the precept 97D yet. Really curious about this one. Cheers and Season’s Greetings.
At age 79 & 3.5 player, I got Head Boom MP. Plays well once I got used to. Very good spin potential on the ball.
Love your channel..Since you asked...I own a few racquets, I'm 69 yrs. old (3.5 level) with some arm problems. However, many of the racquets I was looking at were too light or too heavy, unforgiving or maybe not great for comfort... but I tested and then bought the Wilson Blade 104 v8 (on sale) which I am enjoying. I also demo'ed and really liked the Pro Kennix K + Q 15, Like the weight, length and comfort..BUT it is sold out.
Agree with the FX-500 Tour. Surprisingly good power racquet in a 98 frame. Makes me wish the Speed came in a 98 as well.
Great video. To the point
Thanks
Mixing my two current Pure aero VS and Blade v8 18x20 depending on opponent and my status. The feel in the Blade is allways amazing but its kind of close swith over to pure aero VS for more power and some higher lanch angle.
Mine is the pure areo 98, love the spin and control.🎾
Great videos! I still play with the Wilson pro staff 6.1 tour pro 90. I Hear a lot about the Vcore 95 from 2018, so I’m looking to pick up a used one. Not sure if you did a review on that 5 years ago but if you have used that, what’s your opinion ? I only use Wilson champions choice strings & “ control “ rackets.
The Percept 97 is awesome as I'm transitioning away from full poly. With my current gut/poly setup, I get everything from it.
My favorite racket that I currently keeps going back to, is the Babolat Pure Drive 98. I didn't like the stock form, but I added 10 grams of silicone in the handle, and now it's just amazing. It has everything, spin, power, control, but the most important thing is, that since I added the extra 10 grams in the handle, it plays very very forgiving. I'm using Solinco Hyper-G Soft 1.20 at 23.5 kg for this frame, which has been perfect. I've tried a number of different rackets, and currently owns Wilson Blade 98, 18x20 and 16x19, version 7 and 8, Head Gravity Pro, Yonex Vcore 98, Pure Aero 100, Head Extreme Tour and a Pure Strike 100. None of them are as forgiving as my Pure Drive 98.
How is forgiving with so small sweet spot even for a 98?
Pure Strike 100 and Pure Aero 100 are more forgiving for sure
Merry Christmas 🎄 🎾
Merry Christmas!
I just got the percept 97H and added 8 grams on the head love it
Dang, you're strong!😅✌️
What’s your string setup with the pro kennex? Did it take you awhile to adjust after leaving the Prestige?
You've listened to me. Thank you. This video is what I needed. Merry Xmas fellow tennisnerd.
I always listen! Merry Xmas!
In 2023 I have owned Aero 100, Shift 300, Artengo TR960 countrol tour 16x19, Blade 100 and Vcore 98. Blade 100 has been my favorite for most of the year but it is now replace by the Vcore 98 since a few weeks back.
Had a set of Blade 98's (V7) and Ezone 98's (2021's) that I always kept moving between and then switched to Solinco WO 18x20 - can't imagine ever changing. I'm a 5.5 player who likes to play both flat and spin - I change the pace a lot - play all court tennis. The Ezones had only a fraction more power on flat serves but all changes with slice and kick serves which heavily favour the WO. The Blade had more control on height and the Ezone was the most predictable racquet I ever played with - once you learn the Ezone, there are no surprises - but the Spin seems to be the edge with the WO.
Thanks!😃
Welcome!
Agree. Wilson Blade is terrific, plays with very soft feel. I also really enjoy the Ezone 98. That is my current match-racket. Dunlop FX 500 is an excellent power racket, just as the Babolat Pure Drive, but in matches I sometimes over hit (big), so I returned to 98 inch rackets. The Head Gravity Pro I also enjoy, but is maybe a bit too demanding/heavy.
Good stuff!
Maybe you got an over spec Gravity Pro racquet. The one I tried was nearly 8(!) grams under spec, so there must be some pretty heavy Gravity Pros out there. I tried to customise it but without a swing weight machine it’s difficult to get right.
Weight was 335 strung. With an overgrip of 7 grams, it is 342. Swingweight, is 334 (website). That is all a bit to sluggish for me, especially with volleys , second serve and one handed backhand. First serve and forehands were very good. @@johnbrondumnet
I am still playing with a Wilson nCode Pro, a model that is more than 20 years old. It is my Goldilocks stick, where everything is just right. As for strings, I am still using Gamma Ruff 16 since the early 90s. Going forward, I am looking at the the ProStaff 97 v14, should I work up the courage to get out of the comfort zone. String-wise is a struggle as I have not found a suitable one to replace the Gamma Ruff, which is fast fading into extinction. Probably be looking at multi-filament next. Any recommendations?
ProStaff V14 has me painting lines more consistently than any other frame I've tried. Regardless of string choice. Absolutely love it. Imo, perfect if you want a slightly harder to use Blade 98, but with oomf to it, and a bit harder to play with.
Switched to the V14 about 2 months ago and it has been an amazing journey. It is a good blend of power and accuracy.
I got the speed mp as you said because I didn't know what to get. The nice thing is that you can get REALLY good control with a stiffer poly and high tension (still confortable in the arm in this racket for me), or you can get to power/spin with diffrent softer or shaped strings at lower tension
did you get the head speed mp 2023? I have the speed mp 360+ (2021 I think) and id like to know if the newer model is too different from mine
@@ModaFaca Yes is the 2023, I don't know how diffrent it is to the 360+ tho.
Was the Babolat Pure Aero mentioned in your video the 2021 or 2023 version? Thanks
Tested the Gravity Tour, as I think the swingweight of the Pro may be to high to handle as I'm getting older, I really loved the frame. Much better for my game compared to Boom Pro (second choice) and Speed Pro (didn't liked it, too much of a high trajectory). Next will test Yonex VCore 98 and Percept 100D ✌🏼
Do you think that speed mp has too high a swing weigh and could be more manouverable?
Can’t go wrong with a Prince Textreme Tour 100p- great power , control and balance.
I swap between the Blade 98 18x20 for control (have a V7 & a V8) and the previous generation Radical Pro for a power racquet.
I have PD 2021 x3... Tempted to try percept 100D... What differences is expected to notice?
Whatever new racquet I try, I keep coming back to Pro Staff 97 v13, for the serve more than anything else. Literally has happened with Boom pro, Ezone 98, and Blade 98 16x19 in the last two years. Yes, I feel a bit sore on days when I play long games with lots of serving but pro staff keeps getting me back because of serve.
Prince Phantom 100G has been a great sleeper tweeter frame for me, while playing recreationally at the 3.5/4.0 level the last couple years
What would you recommend for a doubles player that plays a lot of serve/volley points?
My favorite racquet this past year has been the Aero. However I started developing some arm/elbow pain. I’ve switched to the Head Gravity and like it a lot. I just ordered the Yonex Percept 97 and am looking forward to getting it. 4:55
My racquet of choice start of this year was the Pure Strike VS 2022, however i felt like I dont have as much power on the serves. I am currently trying the CX400 tour, I have 5 hours total play time with it. How do you compare the cx400 tour to other racquets like the pure drive, fx500, ezone 98 or pure aero 98?
I just bought a few discounted pure strike tours. I know the next one is coming out next January, but there’s no tour version and they’re all 100sq in! Are racquet heads just getting bigger and bigger?
Will we get a review of the new Vcore 98+? Curious about the combination of the newer 2023 frame geometry with the extended length.
Prestige MPL 2021 with X-One at 23kg. Sooooo plush!
Blade 16x19 with leather grip. But I love mine Yonex 95, 2023 mod. I use both but depends who I play against 😅
I just picked up the CX 400 Tour, but I haven't been able to play with it yet.
Thanks for overview and your personal look...just wondering if you had a chance to check and review VOLKLTENNIS C10 PRO 2022?
Sadly, no chance to test that. Only tried the Evo. Should be a good stick tho!
Went on a new racquet testing journey this year (Speed 2020, Vcore 100&98, blade 16*19 & 18*20, Pure aero 98, gravity Mp, speed mp 2022, extrême tour 2021, prestige tour 2019, percept 100) and I settled on the speed MP 2022 with head lynx touch. Having arm issues, this was a perfect fit, + good mix of everything (power/spin/control) . For some reason the feel is really great compared to everything I tried, really addictive. Quality control remains an issue, it came with a 326g strung with 1,25 Lynx Touch, but SW was on point at 323. Keen to see the 2024 update even though it would be unlikely to see huge modifications.
At what tension Head Lynx touch on your Speed MP?
@@user-bj7ow4bh3j 1,25 gauge at 21k, a bit launchy, kept the 21k but when for 1.30 and it works better now
@@user-bj7ow4bh3jsorry I thought I answered, 22kilos
Solinco whiteout 18/20
What racket would be recommend for more accuracy and power control?
Hi…love your videos. Keep up the good job. Your strings recommendations for clash 100 V1 and its tension? Please advise. Thanks.
v.1 was designed for poly at fairly low tension. Had a couple of em; they felt great at 48 lbs, but I'm used to 15 ga. Blast to reduce breakage frequency. The racket is meant to be used with high vertical swing speeds (ie loose hand and arm) and the string pattern is very open, so it ain't for flat hitters if they like to hit big. Accuracy is actually good if you get proper rpms on the ball, but it will eat strings. Without em its a bit dodgy, but still arm-friendly. It produces a lovely kick serve. I'd go with thinner poly unless you're a frequent string-breaker like me.
@@charlesfaure1189 Thanks Charles for a detailed explanation. Will try with 48 lbs, any suggestions for the strings brand?
@@munirbadr RPM blast has been my go-to for 15 years, so unfortunately my knowledge base on that is almost zero. I wouldn't go 15 ga. unless string life is a big problem, though.
I just switched to Solinco WO 305 xtd. It's good all around too with control, power and surprisingly spin for an 18x20. Maybe not for everyone with the xtd but I got used to it.
I heard good things, but longer frames is not my cup of coffee
Did you customise yours? What is your string setup?
@@briandmello1981 Using confidential at 46/44. I have very little weight on the 3 and 9 for now. That’s all
I just purchased the blade 100. I would have gone with the gravity MP if it didn't hurt my wrist. The clashes and the speeds I tried were great as well.
I have one and love it. A bit more forgiving and more spinny than my 98s, but not a whole lot more. I added a bit of weight at three and nine to stabilize it a little more on backhands.
I thought you loved the Head Radical MP? - for new rackets the Dunlop CX should be am amazing underrated upgrade. hopefully.
What do you think about 16x19 blade racket?
I am using an old Wilson profile oversize and want to switch to another newest versio of this Rachel. Can you pls help me which one to buy?
what is best string tension for head speed MP 2022 model. I have shoulder issues. Using BI Phase1 ,124 gauge at 52 lbs. Has become trampoline with high launch angle hence hard to control. Wondering how a hybrid with low tension would work for this racquet. I dont hit with much spin.
Hi, I play maybe once a month. Better on forehand than single handed backhand. I have a Wilson 100 and a Tecnifiber 98. I’d like an all rounder racquet. Could you recommend 3 brands and model please?
What do you guys think about the best serving/serve and volley racquets?
I've tried a lot of tennis rackets this year. Rather surprisingly, I ended up with the Wilson Ultra 100 V4. The racket is severely underrated.
Nothing wrong with the Ultra! I like that one too
Did u try babolat pure drive and dunlop fx 500?
where would you place the Yonex Vcore 98 V7th gen in terms of the type of playstyle it fits
Do you think it works adding 10g. of lead to Clash 100? I don’t want Pro, but 295g. is too light.
You have changed your backhand swing a little. It looks much better :-)
I don't play matches any more--I'm an old man with shredded knees and other wounds--but I still do hitting sessions (LOTS of hitting sessions) and a tiny bit of teaching. I went from Aeroprodrives to Blades to keep from breaking strings every three hitting hours despite using 15 ga. RPM Blast. The Blade v.8 is excellent. Not great for kick serves, but I don't care about that. Still using 15 ga. Blast, but at 48 lbs. it's quite soft enough for me. Blades and racquets like them can dramatically improve your game if you can learn to use them properly. They will make you (and let you) learn to swing. You've got to learn to attack the ball on groundstrokes to get good results, to really let the racquet go and create headspeed, to use the whole kinetic chain and unreservedly commit to the shot. With the right technique and full commitment you can get very decent topspin. Learn to use a pretty demanding stick like this and you'll be a better player for it.
I bought a Blade about a year ago. Added a touch of weight at 12:00. You’re correct it’s demanding; smallish sweet spot, high swing weight, it’s a load. But it’s also the sweetest racquet in my bag. I’ve learned so much about stroke production from playing with this stick. As a true nerd, I have other racquets. One of which is the Yonex Vcore 100 (which I’m beginning to love) but I also keep coming back to the Blade.
@@MyCvid I also love the Vcore. Beautifully spinny, lovely feel.
I’m coming back to tennis after 30 years away and struggled with a Pure Aerp and Ezone for months. I’ve just switched to a Blade and it’s a revelation. Far less spiky and more gentle and progressive.
Man if this is considered a demanding racket... What is a 95sq in Prestige considered??
@@dwelch241 I called the Blade 'pretty demanding.' But there's always some idiot who needs to self-pleasure his fragile ego, isn't there?
Head extreme mp for me!
Does Pro Kennex make anything like the old Redondo 98 in a 110 size?
Prince ats 310 good all rounder?
I play with the speed mp but would love a bit more control. I am afraid of going to the speed pro though due to the big increase in weight and the lack of power of the 18x20 string pattern. Do you think the percept 100d is a good option?
Btw im more of a flat hitter intermediate to advanced id say.. my coach says id be around 7 utr
Maybe favorites strings?
what about Prostaff V14 97 ??? My Raquet, excelent all around, the best for slices and volleys.
My favourite racket at the moment is the Vcore 100 2023 paired with Head Lynx Tour 1.25. Higher launchangle and more assist in the spindepartment helps me from hitting more unforced errors. Also play with Ezone 100 / Furi Arma Pro 98 / Tecnifibre Tempo 298 IGA when I want to have some variety.
I really enjoyed ProStaff v14 315gr recently. Took it out for the demo, returned and considering getting couple of sticks. What I like with PS is that it's stable, reliable and quite powerful even in stock. The feel on that racquet and volleys are second to none. Are there any similar racquets I should try before pulling the trigger?
yes, if you find pro staff v13 same feeling, cheaper and imho one of the best paintjobs of any racket out there- matte black with exposed carbon at the hoop!
Try the Prestige and the CX200. They are the most similar to the PS. One interesting thing though. I find the Blade to be just better in every category compared to the PS except for maybe the stability from the weight. That makes me curious. How do you like the Blade?
@@amsd1231 Im 1hander and just cant play with Head&Technifibre grips since they are too oval :( Ill check blade. But then again, maybe I should wait for new v9 then
I agreed. This is my one of the other racquets I alternate with. I find the v14 has more of a crisper feel/connection than v13 otherwise pretty similar.
@@reallypantik6283 CX200 is a Dunlop and Head has changed their grip shape to be more round(which I don't like funnily enough). Also, I don't know how the new Blade will come out but the best Blade that has come out so far is the v5. Try it if you can get your hands on it.
I ordered a Percept 97H because my last racquet was the Pro Staff RF 97 and I wanted something with a lot of weight and a similar headsize. Would you recommend college players use these overly heavy racquets, since they're mostly in their physical prime anyways? I ask this because I see a lot of other students using more power-oriented, lighter models like the Ezone and the Pure Drive.
D1 college game almost requires more power, and yes, they all use Ezones Babs and Blades.
@@yonexfan12 I see some people with Speeds and Radicals, to be fair.
Younger pros seem to be moving away from the heavy clubs of the previous era. 340-345g strung weights are becoming more common.
Prince ATS Tour 100P
Solinco whiteout 305 16×19 or 18x20 why is not in the list??? I have tried almost all the ones of the list above and there is no comparison in the playability of these...anyway for someone who haven't tried them is a must!!!
Jonas, I have been playing with babolat pure aero 2021, I am willing to have a more control raquet, Is the Percept 100D way to drastically change? Should I change to the percept 100 16x19? Intermediate player but I really need a more control raquet, I dont know if the launch angle will suit my gamestyle, the 100D lack a lot of spin? Thanks
100D is more of a drastic change, 100 is more logical or Speed MP
Where does aero98 go on your list
Are still coming new aero barbolat rackets this year ? If yes when can I expect the release ?
No, I don’t think there will be more Aero racquets in 2024
Angell React 99 18x19 or Wilson Blade 100? Wich has the most control and wich are more easy to play with? Kind regards Viktor
I would say React for control, while the Blade has a bigger sweet spot = easier to use
@@Tennisnerd thanks for the information! 😊🙏🏻
I’m surprised you didn’t list the radical as the best (or at least one of the best) all rounders? Wasn’t this your main stick this last year, and its core strength is to be pretty good at everything?
I wanted to challenge myself to not give so many racquets. The Radical is good, but I prefer the Blade's feel in the end and had to limit myself to two.
@@Tennisnerd ah I meant it as a contender in your all rounder category vs control
Ive bought about half of everything out there and demoed the other half. Other than the clash i dont really like any new rackets. MG prestige pro or youtek prestige pro nothing else comes close
Great videos Jonas! Keep em coming. Curious about your personal preferences. Do you modify the Blade 98 18x20, leather grip? and what strings do you use with this racquet. Does 7pts HL work here.
How different is the 2023 speed pro to the 2021?
When I have tested it I will let you know.
I have to disagree with you Jonas, the Clash 98 v2 with a hard crisp poly is fantastic, more power and paradoxically much more control than Clash 98 v1, the only thing that thing needs is a hard poly like Tour Bite 1.25, Pro red code 1.30 or Krishbaum Max Power 1.30 at 50lbs to 52lbs (adjust to your swing accordingly)
Percept 100D vs Speed Pro?
Blade for ever
Is it new Speed in the background?
Looks like it to me too.
I read somewhere that, all raquets are basically the same lol
No you can really notice the difference after years of playing for me some racquet can put heavy heavy topspin others can serve really well
The new speeds don’t look good compared to the current ones.
No mention of prestige?
Did not make the cut, sadly.
WTF no mention of the Wilson T 1000????
Yeah, this is an apparent oversight! But the T2000 was a great electricity conductor.
@@Tennisnerd I learned to play in the 70s with the T-2000. Didn't give em up til the 90s. Great racket if you knew how to hit the sweet spot. Found a couple at a Salvation Army store a few years ago in near perfect condition. It hits beautifully, even with the modern swing I use now. I loaned it to a hitting partner who hits massive topspin and he loved it. So--show some respect LOL.
Head speed pro hands down🔥
Poner Subtitulos en Ingles,No me Sirbe,Sino entenderia Lo Que Habla!!
I dont get it should be more racket than this
you keep saying you hit flat. News flash, your stroke is anything but flat. Sorry, but your swing trajectory is too vertical.
Shift