At the end of a match, I often ask my opponent if he has some time to hit a few balls. Usually they say yes. If he has a racquet I haven't tried, I'll follow up by asking if I can try his racquet. This isn't perfect since it's just a couple of minutes with a racquet that doesn't have my preferred string, tension, or grip, but it's usually good enough. Usually after the a few hits I can tell if I like a racquet.
Great video, this is such good advice, so many people do not bother learning enough about strings and fail to test with different setups and just look at getting new racquets when the strings can make the most difference.
I've made the mistake a couple of times of too specific about racquet , for example "this racquet is better for my backhand" or "this racquet is better for my serve". But you need to find a racquet that you feel that you can swing freely and that is overall suited for your game.
Great strategy to handle consultation volume in your available bandwidth. This video is an excellent synopsis of all your previous advice in a single concise video.
Excellent as always! I’m trying the 2019 yonex vcore 97H (16x19 330) after using the 2002 Head i.prestige mid and I’m surprised how well it works. I will try it a few more times and see if it times to switch. Tak tak
Excellent summary Jonas, thank you. There’s a lot to be said for how the racquet feels in hand, if it feels comfortable and just ‘right’. When demoing a few racquets it’s the one that has you playing at your ‘least worst’ on one of those tough days on the court that’s probably the one to roll with as most racquets/string set up will be a weapon when the footwork is working, swing speed/mechanics good, high % of first serves, etc.
In the end, you gotta try some and stick to the one you feel the better. Specs are something, but not everything! I find out the radical much more easy to play with than the extreme (both MP), even though the specs didn't tell me that. Nice video Jonas, as usual! 🇧🇷
Guys i want something that plays and feels like the pro staff 315 but a bit easier to play ( in bad conditions and when you feel a bit tired ), am open to your suggestions!
Always looking for racquets with Control and Touch/Feel because Power and Spin is a matter of physical strength in combination with your technique. Also adding Power and Spin to a control racquet is way easier than adding Control and Feel to a stiff Power racquet, it's nearly impossible... ;) For example, using a sharp poly with low tension and some weight and u instantly get more power/spin in a control oriented frame, but for an already stiff frame adding weight or stiffer polys makes the racquet even more powerful and uncomfortable...
It's not impossible. There are many advanced non professional players who play with a lot of control with pure drives etc as well as elite pro level players using this class of frame (there are three in the top 10 of the ATP rankings right now). Spin would be the most common way of adding control to a 'power/spin' frame. In fact, for players that produce a lot of rpms they may even find the most control with such frames. Not all elite pro players who use such frames play with heavy rpms though, so things like excellent timing etc come into play as well. Every setup brings with it pros and cons. And what one player finds to be the best kind of setup isn't necessarily what another player will benefit from. I have to note as well that adding weight to tweeners will actually make them more comfortable and controllable if done in a way that suits your swing. For instance, you can add weight in such a way that the specs you land on enhance the spin of the frame, and spin can be control, so you enhance control through spin. And adding things like blue tac and silicone inside the handle will improve how they feel. Some mass, be it static or in the swing weight can actually take pressure of your arm as well with good technique, which is the case with any racket really.
@@sjjapp I agree that it's a personal choice and everyone has a different need, but what I wanted to say is that a more control oriented frame u have easier options to tweak it to your likings. Adding weight may absorb more vibrations but more weight means more strength is needed to move it as quick as before, so it will def. require more from you and this can cause soreness if you're not in top physical condition... Stiff tweener racquets are mostly made for ppl that enjoy lighter racquets without sacrificing stability... it works best for healthy beginners and intermediates that look for forgiveness and lots of free power and spin. I wouldn't compare any PRO to a normal casual tennis player, they are trained athletes with a great technique acquired over many many years of training. They use swingweights around 350-360, this is nothing a normal club player would play with for more than 30 mins...
Well its not that hard, you just choose difference strings, preferably a hybrid with the strings that give the most feedback and control on the mains like natural or synthetic gut, also get rid of the dampener and use a rubber bad you will find you get more feel without the tinging noise and it keeps the weight down. Added weight via lead tape can give stability at 9 and 3 or 10 and 2 positions but it takes away feel so thats why you have to be careful to added such small amounts at a time if really needed.
@@hybrid11theory75 I know some disagree, but your points have really applied to me. I've gone from struggling with control on a Pure Drive, then Pure Aero, to using Gravity Pros (Strung with Hyper G) and gradually dropping tension on them to find a sweet spot. 40lbs did the trick, exactly like you said, I felt way more in control of the power levels of the racket, and as I improve I feel I can adjust this again.
@@CH-yp5by rackets are like sets of sliders. they can enhance/hinder different aspects of our games. What most needs boosting at beginner level? I'd say access to depth and pace. So on average a light version of a tweener should suit. What most needs boosting at intermediate levels? Again depth, access to pace, but also now control because they're starting to swing out and they lack the fundamentals at this point to really properly provide their own control and maybe the other points as well. So maybe more of a mix between tweeners and modern control frames, but there should be more tweeers. non pro advanced players say between 4.5 and 5.5 will have a better foundation than the previous groups. They're probably at the level where they can think more about boosting their strengths and what helps their weaknesses rather than compensating for what they're lacking (fitness though), although even some pros will have setups that compensate more for weaknesses than boost their strengths, so again, it's personal. So anyway at this level it's going to be a mix again. I'd say more players at this level would use modern control rackets to near tweeners like a head speed , but still, the two most common rackets I've seen are the yellow and blue Babolats. I think spin oriented tweeners become more demanding/specialised at higher levels, whereas more control rackets help keep swings in for many styles. My point is that, as I've said, rackets are like sets of sliders. Seeing how we are all built differently, have different strengths and weaknesses, play differently, swing differently, and so on, I think it's best to focus on what each aspect of a setup provides and whether it benefits the individual player. You get things like what I've seen personally where players start getting decent and then prioritizing things that don't actually bring out the best in their personal game, all because of non performance reasons such as 'good players use this' and 'i love the feel of this racket'. For pros it's their job and therefore winning matches is their means to ensuring they keep that job, so they must use what benefits them. And while some pro specs, maybe minus a lot of the new gen who use very light specs, are too beefy for many non pros, there's general themes in their choices that can be helpful to non pros as a reference. And what their setups provide evidence of is that there really aren't many things that should be off the table when looking at rackets, be it oversized rackets, extended length ones, or whatever else. It depends on what benefits the individual players game. We all have our own preferences. And we must remember those won't necessarily align with those of someone else. How you worded your initial comment suggests that tweeners are a much less appealing option than they are in reality. It's just not what you're looking for. And re customising a tweener or a modern control racket, it all fits within the above. And tweeners work best for whoever they suit. They're literally as well for all levels, from beginners to pros.
There is only one thing a lot of people say that I personally can’t agree with and that is: denser string patterns are better for flat hitters. I’m a flat hitter and have tried many 18x20 and 16x20 rackets but have never found they are better for my flatter shots. My current racket is a 16x18 and I’m playing my best ever tennis.
It's not always so black and white. So many factors like the level of the player, the individual style/swing of that player, and the compromises that player feels are best re their setup and how that pairs with their strengths and weaknesses. There are some general patterns though. They're not true for all of course. One of those is that denser patterns with more flexy thinner beams and head sizes under 100 help flatter hitters with much needed control (also helps to further hit through the court more directly). And more modern topspin baseliners will on average prefer stiffer thicker beams with more open string patterns and larger head sizes (98 and over). But it's best to think about your own game when approaching your setup. And it sounds like you've done that with that 16/18 string pattern.
Hi there I m playing with babolat aéro pro drive 2013 , i really love this raquet but for some reason I’m always curious to play test some new raquet just to see if it can find something better than mine . Last week I ordered the head speed pro 2018 that I never tried before ! Do u think that it s gonna be a big change for me to switch to this head speed pro , knowing that what I favor the most on a raquet is spin and then control ! I m asking u that because I’m now wondering if I should not just stick with my aero pro drive and ship it back without trying in order to avoid to ask my self too many questions ! ?
Head Extreme is your must test. I have played with Pure Aero and Pure Strike for the most parts and my best wins were with the Aero. Just recently tried a Head Extreme and found it extremely similar to the Aero but more arm-friendly and control
Rackets are like sets of sliders. And when one slider is moved another moves along with it. The head speed pro offers a different package to the aero pro drive. Different sets of sliders. While some players may find things to like with both I'd say by design they're not for the same type of player, on average. The aero pro drive is a somewhat stiff thick beamed aerodynamic racket for players looking for a high launch angle/great access to spin. The head speed pro provides better directional control and is less spin friendly. It (speed pro) will better suit on average players who hit through the ball more and want a lower and more controlled launch angle. Neither racket is better as a racket. But one may be better for you personally. Depends on your own personal game. If spin is your thing you'd be better off in all likelihood trying another spin friendly frame by design like the pure aero Vs, the pure aero, pure drive, Yonex Ezone 100, Yonex vcore 100, head extreme MP/pro, Dunlop SX 300/tour and so on. If you want something spin friendly but a little more controlled than the aero pro drive, at the cost of moving some other sliders, the Yonex Ezone 100 or the pure aero Vs would be where I'd recommend starting.
I think the WORST place to look for advice is those tennis warehouse forums please avoid that website for advice. I think it’s a great place to talk smack and make yourself feel like a professional from the comfort of your bedroom!
I am choosing in between 3 frames at the moment. But I have two very exciting play-tests coming up before I make up my mind for 2022. I will make a video about it soonish.
Μy simple SHORTCUT tip. Who's your favorite player. Buy the racket he endorses (even if he plays with a paint job.) DONE! Got my Yonex ezone 98 tour because of Dustin Brown. Epic racket.
At the end of a match, I often ask my opponent if he has some time to hit a few balls. Usually they say yes. If he has a racquet I haven't tried, I'll follow up by asking if I can try his racquet. This isn't perfect since it's just a couple of minutes with a racquet that doesn't have my preferred string, tension, or grip, but it's usually good enough. Usually after the a few hits I can tell if I like a racquet.
Great video, this is such good advice, so many people do not bother learning enough about strings and fail to test with different setups and just look at getting new racquets when the strings can make the most difference.
I've made the mistake a couple of times of too specific about racquet , for example "this racquet is better for my backhand" or "this racquet is better for my serve". But you need to find a racquet that you feel that you can swing freely and that is overall suited for your game.
Great strategy to handle consultation volume in your available bandwidth. This video is an excellent synopsis of all your previous advice in a single concise video.
Excellent as always! I’m trying the 2019 yonex vcore 97H (16x19 330) after using the 2002 Head i.prestige mid and I’m surprised how well it works. I will try it a few more times and see if it times to switch. Tak tak
How to find a tennis racquet: binge all tennisnerd videos 😅
Excellent summary Jonas, thank you. There’s a lot to be said for how the racquet feels in hand, if it feels comfortable and just ‘right’. When demoing a few racquets it’s the one that has you playing at your ‘least worst’ on one of those tough days on the court that’s probably the one to roll with as most racquets/string set up will be a weapon when the footwork is working, swing speed/mechanics good, high % of first serves, etc.
In the end, you gotta try some and stick to the one you feel the better. Specs are something, but not everything! I find out the radical much more easy to play with than the extreme (both MP), even though the specs didn't tell me that. Nice video Jonas, as usual! 🇧🇷
Went from a blade to an extreme tour, In the end you gotta test the frame.
Your videos helped a LOT narrowing it down! Thank you Jonas :)
Glad it helped!
Guys i want something that plays and feels like the pro staff 315 but a bit easier to play ( in bad conditions and when you feel a bit tired ), am open to your suggestions!
You’re the best, Jonas! ciao, John🎾
Really nice video buddy good job very informative and helpful keep up the good work
Thanks 👍
Hi Jonas, great video as always.
For an update to your video of the pros switching brands, looks like Kasatkina also switched to an artengo racquet
Fantastic post Jonas. Thanks for sharing your insights...
Glad it was helpful!
Always looking for racquets with Control and Touch/Feel because Power and Spin is a matter of physical strength in combination with your technique. Also adding Power and Spin to a control racquet is way easier than adding Control and Feel to a stiff Power racquet, it's nearly impossible... ;) For example, using a sharp poly with low tension and some weight and u instantly get more power/spin in a control oriented frame, but for an already stiff frame adding weight or stiffer polys makes the racquet even more powerful and uncomfortable...
It's not impossible. There are many advanced non professional players who play with a lot of control with pure drives etc as well as elite pro level players using this class of frame (there are three in the top 10 of the ATP rankings right now). Spin would be the most common way of adding control to a 'power/spin' frame. In fact, for players that produce a lot of rpms they may even find the most control with such frames. Not all elite pro players who use such frames play with heavy rpms though, so things like excellent timing etc come into play as well. Every setup brings with it pros and cons. And what one player finds to be the best kind of setup isn't necessarily what another player will benefit from.
I have to note as well that adding weight to tweeners will actually make them more comfortable and controllable if done in a way that suits your swing. For instance, you can add weight in such a way that the specs you land on enhance the spin of the frame, and spin can be control, so you enhance control through spin. And adding things like blue tac and silicone inside the handle will improve how they feel. Some mass, be it static or in the swing weight can actually take pressure of your arm as well with good technique, which is the case with any racket really.
@@sjjapp I agree that it's a personal choice and everyone has a different need, but what I wanted to say is that a more control oriented frame u have easier options to tweak it to your likings. Adding weight may absorb more vibrations but more weight means more strength is needed to move it as quick as before, so it will def. require more from you and this can cause soreness if you're not in top physical condition... Stiff tweener racquets are mostly made for ppl that enjoy lighter racquets without sacrificing stability... it works best for healthy beginners and intermediates that look for forgiveness and lots of free power and spin. I wouldn't compare any PRO to a normal casual tennis player, they are trained athletes with a great technique acquired over many many years of training. They use swingweights around 350-360, this is nothing a normal club player would play with for more than 30 mins...
Well its not that hard, you just choose difference strings, preferably a hybrid with the strings that give the most feedback and control on the mains like natural or synthetic gut, also get rid of the dampener and use a rubber bad you will find you get more feel without the tinging noise and it keeps the weight down. Added weight via lead tape can give stability at 9 and 3 or 10 and 2 positions but it takes away feel so thats why you have to be careful to added such small amounts at a time if really needed.
@@hybrid11theory75 I know some disagree, but your points have really applied to me. I've gone from struggling with control on a Pure Drive, then Pure Aero, to using Gravity Pros (Strung with Hyper G) and gradually dropping tension on them to find a sweet spot. 40lbs did the trick, exactly like you said, I felt way more in control of the power levels of the racket, and as I improve I feel I can adjust this again.
@@CH-yp5by rackets are like sets of sliders. they can enhance/hinder different aspects of our games. What most needs boosting at beginner level? I'd say access to depth and pace. So on average a light version of a tweener should suit. What most needs boosting at intermediate levels? Again depth, access to pace, but also now control because they're starting to swing out and they lack the fundamentals at this point to really properly provide their own control and maybe the other points as well. So maybe more of a mix between tweeners and modern control frames, but there should be more tweeers. non pro advanced players say between 4.5 and 5.5 will have a better foundation than the previous groups. They're probably at the level where they can think more about boosting their strengths and what helps their weaknesses rather than compensating for what they're lacking (fitness though), although even some pros will have setups that compensate more for weaknesses than boost their strengths, so again, it's personal. So anyway at this level it's going to be a mix again. I'd say more players at this level would use modern control rackets to near tweeners like a head speed , but still, the two most common rackets I've seen are the yellow and blue Babolats. I think spin oriented tweeners become more demanding/specialised at higher levels, whereas more control rackets help keep swings in for many styles.
My point is that, as I've said, rackets are like sets of sliders. Seeing how we are all built differently, have different strengths and weaknesses, play differently, swing differently, and so on, I think it's best to focus on what each aspect of a setup provides and whether it benefits the individual player. You get things like what I've seen personally where players start getting decent and then prioritizing things that don't actually bring out the best in their personal game, all because of non performance reasons such as 'good players use this' and 'i love the feel of this racket'. For pros it's their job and therefore winning matches is their means to ensuring they keep that job, so they must use what benefits them. And while some pro specs, maybe minus a lot of the new gen who use very light specs, are too beefy for many non pros, there's general themes in their choices that can be helpful to non pros as a reference. And what their setups provide evidence of is that there really aren't many things that should be off the table when looking at rackets, be it oversized rackets, extended length ones, or whatever else. It depends on what benefits the individual players game.
We all have our own preferences. And we must remember those won't necessarily align with those of someone else. How you worded your initial comment suggests that tweeners are a much less appealing option than they are in reality. It's just not what you're looking for.
And re customising a tweener or a modern control racket, it all fits within the above. And tweeners work best for whoever they suit. They're literally as well for all levels, from beginners to pros.
It depends also a lot on your string set up!
Hi Jonas, Pure aero is also a potential oriented also?, las the pure drive I meant
Oh my god , first comment @@
Keep up the good work . Love it
There is only one thing a lot of people say that I personally can’t agree with and that is: denser string patterns are better for flat hitters. I’m a flat hitter and have tried many 18x20 and 16x20 rackets but have never found they are better for my flatter shots. My current racket is a 16x18 and I’m playing my best ever tennis.
It's not always so black and white. So many factors like the level of the player, the individual style/swing of that player, and the compromises that player feels are best re their setup and how that pairs with their strengths and weaknesses.
There are some general patterns though. They're not true for all of course. One of those is that denser patterns with more flexy thinner beams and head sizes under 100 help flatter hitters with much needed control (also helps to further hit through the court more directly). And more modern topspin baseliners will on average prefer stiffer thicker beams with more open string patterns and larger head sizes (98 and over).
But it's best to think about your own game when approaching your setup. And it sounds like you've done that with that 16/18 string pattern.
If you’re like me, have 10 different sticks and love them all for different reasons then I think there’s no solution lol
É complicado! kkkkkk
Interesting!! Can you give us more details?
Hi Jonas !
Are you gonna do a prewviev video of A022 ? I would love to hear your take on the draw.
Nice video as usual 👍.
Hi Suat, yes! Coming tomorrow or Saturday the latest :)
@@Tennisnerd Looking forward to it. Im gonna make one also 😀
Hi there
I m playing with babolat aéro pro drive 2013 , i really love this raquet but for some reason I’m always curious to play test some new raquet just to see if it can find something better than mine . Last week I ordered the head speed pro 2018 that I never tried before ! Do u think that it s gonna be a big change for me to switch to this head speed pro , knowing that what I favor the most on a raquet is spin and then control ! I m asking u that because I’m now wondering if I should not just stick with my aero pro drive and ship it back without trying in order to avoid to ask my self too many questions ! ?
More control but less power, the shot is quite flat, depends on your game style
Head Extreme is your must test. I have played with Pure Aero and Pure Strike for the most parts and my best wins were with the Aero. Just recently tried a Head Extreme and found it extremely similar to the Aero but more arm-friendly and control
Rackets are like sets of sliders. And when one slider is moved another moves along with it. The head speed pro offers a different package to the aero pro drive. Different sets of sliders. While some players may find things to like with both I'd say by design they're not for the same type of player, on average.
The aero pro drive is a somewhat stiff thick beamed aerodynamic racket for players looking for a high launch angle/great access to spin. The head speed pro provides better directional control and is less spin friendly. It (speed pro) will better suit on average players who hit through the ball more and want a lower and more controlled launch angle.
Neither racket is better as a racket. But one may be better for you personally. Depends on your own personal game.
If spin is your thing you'd be better off in all likelihood trying another spin friendly frame by design like the pure aero Vs, the pure aero, pure drive, Yonex Ezone 100, Yonex vcore 100, head extreme MP/pro, Dunlop SX 300/tour and so on. If you want something spin friendly but a little more controlled than the aero pro drive, at the cost of moving some other sliders, the Yonex Ezone 100 or the pure aero Vs would be where I'd recommend starting.
@@sjjapp ok thx for your advice ! I think I’m going to play test the yonex ezone 100 along with the head extreme tour !
I think the WORST place to look for advice is those tennis warehouse forums please avoid that website for advice. I think it’s a great place to talk smack and make yourself feel like a professional from the comfort of your bedroom!
The Internet is a REALLY good place for talking smack overall :)
I found mine in my son's tennis bag😊
What’s your match racquet right now @tennisnerd?
I am choosing in between 3 frames at the moment. But I have two very exciting play-tests coming up before I make up my mind for 2022. I will make a video about it soonish.
It can be hard if you are always trying out new racquets!
Haha, yes it is! But that's fun too...
Μy simple SHORTCUT tip. Who's your favorite player. Buy the racket he endorses (even if he plays with a paint job.) DONE! Got my Yonex ezone 98 tour because of Dustin Brown. Epic racket.