Added 8 grams hoop and and 7 to the handle on my 98 Blade and now it's a monster. Total weight is 347 all in. Yeah it's heavy but I'm coming from a ProStaff that I had weighted up to 353. I just over swing lighter stock frames and end up hurting my elbow so sticking what works for me. The Blade loves a little weight regardless.
Actually the racket reviews could feature this a bit. I tried the blade 100 on advice being such a great racket and I absolutely disliked it. Very uncomfortable (!). Couple of months later I tried it again but from a friend of mine. Day and night, was the super plush racket you hear in the reviews and I finally got it why it’s so popular. I guess it’s very easy to end up not buying the right racket for you because you may be passing rackets because of their strings?
@@rprod9845true. Demo’d a very popular racquet recently and hated it. I concluded that the strings were well below a normal tension. Unfair to the frame, but led to perhaps an unfair decision.
Hi Luca, visited your store today, did not see you there. However was looking to try out some of the Hokas and NBs. Your Staff (Mr Rodrigo) did an amazing showing us the shoes and letting us trying each one out. Thanks!
I love the ezone 98. It just does everything well, spin, power, control, feel. Feels like a blank canvas that I fill with my strings (lynx tour) to add some spin to it
Glad I just got an S-Tier racquet- the RF-01 Pro! Got it strung with a full bed of Touch VS at 55# and the feel is spectacular! Thank you Luca for the reviews, they’re so informative and well produced. I’m no longer in the market for a racquet but still watch your new videos to learn more.
Update: I’m looking for another racquet 😂 decided I’d like something a touch lighter than the RF Pro. Not totally sold on Yonex (but their QC is a huge plus) and have the Vcore 95 and Percept 97 out on demo now. What other racquets would you say are most similar to those? Thanks in advance for the feedback and keep up the good work!
Whatever HEADs done to the Speed MP has made it an incredible racquet, the industry should be worried if HEAD decide to put that same DNA into a 98sq frame
Love the PD98. I dont really view it as a pure drive, feels more like a much more powerful radical? Similar beam thickness but modern beam shape, slightly more open, etc. I feel like comparing it to the 100 takes away from what CAN make it a decent stick.
I didn't mind the FX 500 being put into the C tier until you put the Wilson Clash 100 into A. The FX 500 has better feel, more power, more comfortable, bigger sweet spot, and is one of the most stable 100sq racquets on the market. I agree that the FX500 doesnt do anything extraordinary. It does everything well. Specifically, it does everything the Clash 100 does but better.
The velvet matte paint job on the Speed MP isn't really that bad. It feels like crap new but over the months the paint develops a natural sheen coating from sweat and oil from your hands touching it to the point that it no longer feels like rubber.
Hey Luca. Wanted your suggestion.. I'm an intermediate all court player with flat strokes. The feel, precision and maneuverability of a racquet are important to me. Looking for a 97-98 inch frame. Which racquet do you think would suit my preferences better between Pro Staff v14 and Pure Aero 98? Any other suggestions?
I had Pure Aero and I wanted to maintain the spin and gain huge power so I've choose the Ultra 100 V4 for getting more spin than Pure Drive 100 and Ezone 100 I know it's not a special racket but it works very fine for my style of playing
I really wish the Radical Mp was higher up, i know you put it where you did for good reasons but it's been the only frame that ive tried that both cancel my flaws and amplify my weaknesses. (to an extent its really about the player not the frame, sadly) But I play super flat, I play the flattest out of my entire varsity team, so I struggle with spin production. So I put Babolat RPM rough 17 gauge at 45 pounds and it played wonderfully. Easy depth and spin and it swung fast thorough the air because of the beam profile and the dense pattern allowed me to go big and trust my shots as well as improving my touch because the feel is so good
Congrats on 20K subscribers! Massive achievement and well deserved. I agree 100% that Speed MP is S-Tier. I think its a great racquet and I know when playing with the speed it is never an equipment issue, but rather user error when I hit poor shots.
What could be fun would be to do a part 3 where your viewers or store clients would partake in a survey/poll to score each racket that you carry, and then you would make a video revealing the final rankings based on average score. Obviously, viewers/clients won't have tried everything, but they can rank on perception.
Hi everyone, I would like to hear your opinion. What would be your choice between the PS97, RF01, Shift 99 and Blade 98 16x19 for a player who plays tournaments on clay courts and in a city of high altitude? One-handed backhand, eastern forehand grip. angles and go to the net. 1.75m tall Thanks!
I have the same question. I am looking for a stick with a little more pop that is still control-oriented. Unfortunately, power seems to be a criteria that is always glossed over when discussing these three frames and reviewers never seem to compare the three directly which would be nice since they all seem targeted towards the same type of player. Would love to know where the real differences lie and if they are all just different flavors of control frames or if they have different power and spin profiles.
What do you think about the 2023 vs the 2024 version. I like the 2023 looks better than the new but I’m a fraud I might miss new technology from the newest model. Is there really a difference?
Місяць тому
If I may suggest a comparison vid for the next couple of months, while there’s no new racket lunches, that would be between the 100 sq inch lightweight frames on yours S tier list and how the best of them would compare to the more advanced player 100 sq inch racket style such as the Gravity Pro (also positioned on the S tier list)… Still waiting for the Boom Pro vs Gravity Pro comparison vid!
Hello Luca, since there are no other new racquets to review, how about the Dunlop CX 400 tour? It should be similar to a Speed MP or Blade 100, i think it's an interesting stick
I think you should try the fx500 tour a little longer. The grommets do pull into an area that makes them work like a suspension. Because of this the dwell time increases and higher comfort. It has some unique qualities because of that and it's a fun racket to play. I did sell mine because it just gives me too much power. It does need some custom though, just like almost all dunlops they spec them too low. Customized it actually has some similar feel as the boom pro, but then more power and spin and little bit less control. But if i would have to choose a power control 98 racket (from all the blue colored ones) i think i would choose the fx500 tour
@@RacketsRunnersVancouver yes. The ezone was after some time bothering my arm (wrist specifically). Not an issue with the fx500 tour. And just like you the ezone is a bit too dampened. Fx500 tour is crisper while more comfortable in the long run. My current match play racket is the gravity pro 360+ (under spec, like a tour, lucky me) But i have multiple rackets in my bag. Percept 97 310, phantom 100p, angel react 96, vcore 95, beast 98 o3, speed mp graphene xt (22mm beam)
what strings did you use in the analysis I wonder how your analysis would change if you had set it up with a full bed multis eg Velocity MLT or a hybrid set up?
Hey Luca, very good video. I have a one-handed bh, and I play a very diverse game. Which racket do you recommend me, the Head Boom or the Head Extreme?
Head Extreme Auxetic Tour (2024 Extreme Pro) feels incredibly smooth on the obh and power is above average for a 98. Great all round racquet imho and very arm friendly.
Pro Staff X should not be in the D tier. Also you criticized Yonex VDM for making racquets too mushy and muted, but Head does the same to their 2024 Speed line.
Made a move from a blade 98 v8 16x19 to a pure aero 98 and wow, not looking back at all. But silver 7 tour doesnt work as well on my pure aero 98, what string do you recommend for this stick? Keep up the good work, love these vids!
This is all extremely personal. Trust me, Nadal would not prefer to play with gravity pro, and Rublev would not prefer to play with origin . Analyse what type of game style you have, and choose a racquet that can help you with this game style. I have a full western grip and was playing with a pure aero 98. I tried a pure aero Rafa 290 just for fun , and surprisingly it was an immediate switch for me. Aero Rafa is surprisingly stable for it's weight, it is just a little less powerfull than the 98 , but gave me a much deeper and more consistent stroke. It might be the other way around for you, depending on what game style you have. Try several options. The tennis court will let you know very clearly.
Can u generate ur own power? Are you very advanced? Are u willing to add weight and customise? If so u can go for 97. Otherwise it’s a very low powered unforgiving frame. It’s a noodle unless u add weight
i really struggle finding a new racket. (current playing with Pure Aero Rafa 2021) Skill level 3.5+ 2handed backhand I need something with great feel, spin-friendly and not be so tough in the arm ( got some issues with PA if i play a lot) Any suggestions?
@@silentrhymes7490 arent both of these rackets on muted side? i was thinking about Speed MP, but the mute thing is something i really don't like. I love raw feel
@@RacketsRunnersVancouver bought the Speed mp (2024). You were exactly right. Feel is totally ok and racket is insanely good for my level. I can't find any negatives whatosever. Best choice for me. Ty so much Luca
@@RacketsRunnersVancouver teah but just give it a try mate forthe love of tennis :) also how come blade is your favorite ravquet yet you din’t play with it ? Why kot czrry 96d is it rare ?
Seriously though awesome review and I landed on Head Gravity Pro because of your and other reviewers reviews. I am very keen to try the RF01 pro, Aero 98 and maybe yonex percept.Thanks for the great vids!!
Luca, long time follower, first time commenter here. I know you alluded to it but putting the shift pro in the D tier and the 99 in the A tier, come on man, what are you thinking? They are not that different unless you’ve been playing for over 2 hours. Also I have played a lot with the gravity pro (own it) and the aero 98 (one of my main hitting partners plays with it), they are great but surely the shift is a way better all rounder?
They are very different rackets in terms of launch angle and speed through the air. It's not just the weight but mainly the swingweight that makes the Pro much more sluggish and those weight/swingweight specs with a 23mm beam can feel quite slow.
I love how you and Beckett released your racket tier lists at the same time.
Have tried speed MP and Pure Aero 98. But i hit and feel better with the shift 99. Rackets is unique for everyone.
I love the Shift too, I'll have to spend a bit more time with it again.
I’m just glad my racket of choice Speed mp legend is an S tier. Amazing all around racket!
I wish I lived in Canada so I could use your shop just because I get so much value out of this channel
Thank you!
Added 8 grams hoop and and 7 to the handle on my 98 Blade and now it's a monster. Total weight is 347 all in. Yeah it's heavy but I'm coming from a ProStaff that I had weighted up to 353. I just over swing lighter stock frames and end up hurting my elbow so sticking what works for me. The Blade loves a little weight regardless.
Maybe this has already been a suggestion. Maybe compare the same racquet with 2 different gauge string. What might be benefits of 16 vs 17 gauge..
Actually the racket reviews could feature this a bit. I tried the blade 100 on advice being such a great racket and I absolutely disliked it. Very uncomfortable (!). Couple of months later I tried it again but from a friend of mine. Day and night, was the super plush racket you hear in the reviews and I finally got it why it’s so popular.
I guess it’s very easy to end up not buying the right racket for you because you may be passing rackets because of their strings?
@@rprod9845true. Demo’d a very popular racquet recently and hated it. I concluded that the strings were well below a normal tension. Unfair to the frame, but led to perhaps an unfair decision.
Hi Luca, visited your store today, did not see you there. However was looking to try out some of the Hokas and NBs. Your Staff (Mr Rodrigo) did an amazing showing us the shoes and letting us trying each one out. Thanks!
I love the ezone 98. It just does everything well, spin, power, control, feel. Feels like a blank canvas that I fill with my strings (lynx tour) to add some spin to it
Try using the poly tour pro or luxilon 4g soft at 48 lbs. Ya going to open an even better canvas
Great list. I am in love with my Head Speed Legend MP. Does so many things well + looks great
Thank you! And yes, an awesome racket.
Glad I just got an S-Tier racquet- the RF-01 Pro! Got it strung with a full bed of Touch VS at 55# and the feel is spectacular! Thank you Luca for the reviews, they’re so informative and well produced. I’m no longer in the market for a racquet but still watch your new videos to learn more.
Glad you're enjoying it and thank you!
Update: I’m looking for another racquet 😂 decided I’d like something a touch lighter than the RF Pro. Not totally sold on Yonex (but their QC is a huge plus) and have the Vcore 95 and Percept 97 out on demo now. What other racquets would you say are most similar to those? Thanks in advance for the feedback and keep up the good work!
Whatever HEADs done to the Speed MP has made it an incredible racquet, the industry should be worried if HEAD decide to put that same DNA into a 98sq frame
Agree! Fantastic racket, felt better on serves than PD!
I'm absolutely loving my modded RF01 at the moment. It's a really unique racquet.
I really love the Percept 100. Been playing months with it and it is very solid. Thanks for sharing your thoughs!
Love the PD98. I dont really view it as a pure drive, feels more like a much more powerful radical? Similar beam thickness but modern beam shape, slightly more open, etc. I feel like comparing it to the 100 takes away from what CAN make it a decent stick.
Perhaps, I've just never found a formula that works with it in terms of strings/tension/customization.
Good video. It's very helpful for me to narrow down my choices for my new racquet.
Thank you!
Hey Luca, although you don't have the gravity tour to offer in Canada, if you had it, where would you rank it on your list? Tks
I didn't mind the FX 500 being put into the C tier until you put the Wilson Clash 100 into A. The FX 500 has better feel, more power, more comfortable, bigger sweet spot, and is one of the most stable 100sq racquets on the market. I agree that the FX500 doesnt do anything extraordinary. It does everything well. Specifically, it does everything the Clash 100 does but better.
The FX 500 is not nearly as comfortable as the Clash 100 IMO.
The velvet matte paint job on the Speed MP isn't really that bad. It feels like crap new but over the months the paint develops a natural sheen coating from sweat and oil from your hands touching it to the point that it no longer feels like rubber.
So what you are saying is that Luca should take it to a sauna and aggressively rub his Speed against his body? 😂
Hey Luca. Wanted your suggestion.. I'm an intermediate all court player with flat strokes. The feel, precision and maneuverability of a racquet are important to me. Looking for a 97-98 inch frame. Which racquet do you think would suit my preferences better between Pro Staff v14 and Pure Aero 98? Any other suggestions?
I had Pure Aero and I wanted to maintain the spin and gain huge power so I've choose the Ultra 100 V4 for getting more spin than Pure Drive 100 and Ezone 100
I know it's not a special racket but it works very fine for my style of playing
I really wish the Radical Mp was higher up, i know you put it where you did for good reasons but it's been the only frame that ive tried that both cancel my flaws and amplify my weaknesses. (to an extent its really about the player not the frame, sadly) But I play super flat, I play the flattest out of my entire varsity team, so I struggle with spin production. So I put Babolat RPM rough 17 gauge at 45 pounds and it played wonderfully. Easy depth and spin and it swung fast thorough the air because of the beam profile and the dense pattern allowed me to go big and trust my shots as well as improving my touch because the feel is so good
Congrats on 20K subscribers! Massive achievement and well deserved. I agree 100% that Speed MP is S-Tier. I think its a great racquet and I know when playing with the speed it is never an equipment issue, but rather user error when I hit poor shots.
Thank you very much!
Rank the best strings next
I don't think we carry enough strings to do that right now.
What could be fun would be to do a part 3 where your viewers or store clients would partake in a survey/poll to score each racket that you carry, and then you would make a video revealing the final rankings based on average score. Obviously, viewers/clients won't have tried everything, but they can rank on perception.
That would be really cool. A fun project we could work on in the future.
Hi everyone, I would like to hear your opinion. What would be your choice between the PS97, RF01, Shift 99 and Blade 98 16x19 for a player who plays tournaments on clay courts and in a city of high altitude? One-handed backhand, eastern forehand grip. angles and go to the net. 1.75m tall
Thanks!
I have the same question. I am looking for a stick with a little more pop that is still control-oriented. Unfortunately, power seems to be a criteria that is always glossed over when discussing these three frames and reviewers never seem to compare the three directly which would be nice since they all seem targeted towards the same type of player. Would love to know where the real differences lie and if they are all just different flavors of control frames or if they have different power and spin profiles.
If you’re a high level player RF01 pro… if you’re not that high level go with the blade 98 16x19 more foregiving and powerful than the other ones
What do you think about the 2023 vs the 2024 version. I like the 2023 looks better than the new but I’m a fraud I might miss new technology from the newest model. Is there really a difference?
If I may suggest a comparison vid for the next couple of months, while there’s no new racket lunches, that would be between the 100 sq inch lightweight frames on yours S tier list and how the best of them would compare to the more advanced player 100 sq inch racket style such as the Gravity Pro (also positioned on the S tier list)… Still waiting for the Boom Pro vs Gravity Pro comparison vid!
pure strike 97 deserves to be higher...
Agree about paint job on speed MP, legend is so much better. But love the racket
Pure Strike 100 16x20 would be S tier if you could test it out
Hello Luca, since there are no other new racquets to review, how about the Dunlop CX 400 tour? It should be similar to a Speed MP or Blade 100, i think it's an interesting stick
I think you should try the fx500 tour a little longer. The grommets do pull into an area that makes them work like a suspension. Because of this the dwell time increases and higher comfort. It has some unique qualities because of that and it's a fun racket to play. I did sell mine because it just gives me too much power. It does need some custom though, just like almost all dunlops they spec them too low.
Customized it actually has some similar feel as the boom pro, but then more power and spin and little bit less control.
But if i would have to choose a power control 98 racket (from all the blue colored ones) i think i would choose the fx500 tour
Interesting, I'll try it out some more. You like it more than the Ezone 98?
@@RacketsRunnersVancouver yes. The ezone was after some time bothering my arm (wrist specifically). Not an issue with the fx500 tour. And just like you the ezone is a bit too dampened. Fx500 tour is crisper while more comfortable in the long run.
My current match play racket is the gravity pro 360+ (under spec, like a tour, lucky me)
But i have multiple rackets in my bag. Percept 97 310, phantom 100p, angel react 96, vcore 95, beast 98 o3, speed mp graphene xt (22mm beam)
what strings did you use in the analysis I wonder how your analysis would change if you had set it up with a full bed multis eg Velocity MLT or a hybrid set up?
I use mainly polyester strings.
@@RacketsRunnersVancouver thx.
Hey Luca, very good video. I have a one-handed bh, and I play a very diverse game. Which racket do you recommend me, the Head Boom or the Head Extreme?
Ezone 98 :) you will fall in love on the ohbh
Head Extreme Auxetic Tour (2024 Extreme Pro) feels incredibly smooth on the obh and power is above average for a 98. Great all round racquet imho and very arm friendly.
If I can... Vcore 98....
I play with a one hander and love the boom!
I don't think you can go wrong with either! Boom for stability, Extreme for more variety and spin.
Pro Staff X should not be in the D tier. Also you criticized Yonex VDM for making racquets too mushy and muted, but Head does the same to their 2024 Speed line.
Lighter yes !
Made a move from a blade 98 v8 16x19 to a pure aero 98 and wow, not looking back at all.
But silver 7 tour doesnt work as well on my pure aero 98, what string do you recommend for this stick?
Keep up the good work, love these vids!
I really like Babolat RPM Rough!
have u tested pure strike 100 1620? saw other reviewers said it pretty good, could suit ur game style
This is all extremely personal. Trust me, Nadal would not prefer to play with gravity pro, and Rublev would not prefer to play with origin . Analyse what type of game style you have, and choose a racquet that can help you with this game style. I have a full western grip and was playing with a pure aero 98. I tried a pure aero Rafa 290 just for fun , and surprisingly it was an immediate switch for me. Aero Rafa is surprisingly stable for it's weight, it is just a little less powerfull than the 98 , but gave me a much deeper and more consistent stroke. It might be the other way around for you, depending on what game style you have. Try several options. The tennis court will let you know very clearly.
good racquet review
S for Blade 98 16x19 with added 5 grams and luxilon alu power❤
Did I miss something or did you accidentally put the Legend MP in the S tier when you rated the Speed MP?
Its the same racquet as the Speed MP with different paint jobs.
I can’t decide between the Percept 100D and the 97, any chance you can say the main things that change?
go for 97 if you like percept
if you play well there's no reason to go for the 100.
Can u generate ur own power? Are you very advanced? Are u willing to add weight and customise? If so u can go for 97. Otherwise it’s a very low powered unforgiving frame. It’s a noodle unless u add weight
And string it low tension
I would say go for the 97 as a default. The 100D is great in the right hands but it's very heavy and clunky so you need to enjoy that style of racket.
lol just can't figure out why all my favs go to the A tier
there must be something behind it
but anyway I'm totally satisfied!
Is anyone still hitting with the IG Radical MP aka Fritz’s racket?
I had one until recently. One of my all time favourite rackets.
@@RacketsRunnersVancouverwow thanks for the reply Luca - what did you like about it?
Hey Lucas , I settled with the pure aero 98. I guess there is no point to watch your racket reviews anymore. Thanks for the memories .
Hey luka, are you excited for the new gravity tour 98 ?
Very much so
I came in with 5 rackets and came out with 4 S rackets and 1 A racket (prostaff 97)
How does the VCore 95 drop down to A ???
"Put your pitchforks away" LOL
I have gravity pro 342gms strung . Still I'm struggling to swing my rafa origin
I also miss the Pure Strike 100 16x20 here.
i really struggle finding a new racket. (current playing with Pure Aero Rafa 2021)
Skill level 3.5+ 2handed backhand
I need something with great feel, spin-friendly and not be so tough in the arm ( got some issues with PA if i play a lot)
Any suggestions?
Maybe try vcore100, clash10 or speed mp for a bit more control, both low static weight and RA so not too harsh on the arm and really spin-friendly
@@silentrhymes7490 arent both of these rackets on muted side? i was thinking about Speed MP, but the mute thing is something i really don't like.
I love raw feel
Try the Speed MP. The feel is still very good and it ticks all the other boxes. It's a little muted but not over the top at all.
@@RacketsRunnersVancouver ty, will do so! huge fun of your channel Lucas! keep up the amazing work man 💪
@@RacketsRunnersVancouver bought the Speed mp (2024). You were exactly right.
Feel is totally ok and racket is insanely good for my level.
I can't find any negatives whatosever.
Best choice for me. Ty so much Luca
Curious where you'd put the Tempo 298 Iga
B-Tier IMO
@@RacketsRunnersVancouver 😱😱
Make part 3 and rank all the "current" models
97D ? Blade pro ?
We don't carry either, unfortunately.
@@RacketsRunnersVancouver teah but just give it a try mate forthe love of tennis :) also how come blade is your favorite ravquet yet you din’t play with it ? Why kot czrry 96d is it rare ?
Wilson really dominates here.
Can you do beckett 6:0? 😊
Fuck no
Easily
@@RacketsRunnersVancouver love u guys both 💗
Question is this a b all end all review?
Seriously though awesome review and I landed on Head Gravity Pro because of your and other reviewers reviews. I am very keen to try the RF01 pro, Aero 98 and maybe yonex percept.Thanks for the great vids!!
Gravity MP way better if modified
It definitely needs that.
congrats on the 20k. However, i think its too low. You got an awesome channel. Cheers from mx city
Thank you very much!
Tecnifibre rackets?
They're there!
Why no Yonex Regna 98 on the list?
We don't carry it at the store.
Late question, but with the Gravity Tour now available in the US, where would you rank it?
I think i saw vcore 95 in s list in other video of yours
STRIKE 16x20?!?!
tier list race with Beckett? ;)
Cold War vibes.
Surprised you had the Speed MP so high!
Why
Tbh i prefered pro instead of mp, but the 2022 version. Mp imo lack mass and stability, and for my game it sprayed balls too much
Where is CX 400 Tour?
We don't carry it, unfortunately.
The best of all. My choice.
Ain't no way you just put the Rafa in B tier and the Pure Drive in S tier. Rafa S tier all day
Anything under 12oz is not a good racquet. Might as well use a badminton racquet
Tell that to our world number 1 player Sinner
Luca, long time follower, first time commenter here. I know you alluded to it but putting the shift pro in the D tier and the 99 in the A tier, come on man, what are you thinking? They are not that different unless you’ve been playing for over 2 hours. Also I have played a lot with the gravity pro (own it) and the aero 98 (one of my main hitting partners plays with it), they are great but surely the shift is a way better all rounder?
They are very different rackets in terms of launch angle and speed through the air. It's not just the weight but mainly the swingweight that makes the Pro much more sluggish and those weight/swingweight specs with a 23mm beam can feel quite slow.
Wow Percept 97 S tier over Vcore 98?
At this point, IMO, yes, but remember I'm a massive VDM hater.
When u put PD98 in C tier, i seriously question your credibility.
Give us some F tier racquets
Skill over racquet any day
No Tecnifibre? Lol 😂
They are there.
rank the vcore tour coward