Yonex R-23
So I’m trying out a new feature of Adjusting the Net with racquet reviews. If you are looking for a scientific/analytic approach to finding a new racquet, look elsewhere. This will be my thoughts on trying to find a new racquet after playing with the same one for almost “150,000″ years, to borrow a famous quote from Roger Federer about a certain Scot.
What prompted the search for a new stick? Well, winning a gift card from, Tennis Express, a well-known tennis store, helped out a lot. Plus the fact that I feel it’s time to take advantage of the new technology in racquets. Buying a new racquet is like buying a new car, but worse. With all the differences in technology, head sizes, components and even the strings, don’t get me started on that, buying a new racquet makes buying a car seem like a cakewalk.
My current racquet is a Yonex R-23 bought way back in the day. I still love it even though some have said it’s “like swinging a brick” I have two in all and will always keep them as a backup. But let’s get to the current sticks out there and see how they play. A note about me. My USTA “coding” is 4.0 and along with a big serve, I tend to hit all my shots flat and come to the net, so that will be a deciding factor in my new weapon of choice.
Head Youtek Extreme MP
Head Youtek Extreme MP — So this racquet has new technology that apparently “changes” depending on how you hit the ball. When you hit the ball hard, the frame gets stiffer giving you more power. When you hit with spin, the frame gets softer and creates more spin for you. I definitely felt both while trying out this racquet. My serves had a lot of force and control going in. This stick also did wonders for my backhand giving me a lot more control when I hit topspin. When I hit a slice backhand, I really felt the racquet cut through the strings. It made me want to hit my backhand which has never happened before. I will definitely be thinking about this before I make my final purchase.
Head Youtek Extreme Pro — Same as the above model except it’s a little heavier and stiffer which is great. If you can handle it. I felt like I was swinging a 2×4 around with this one (and I can can curl 50 lb weights with ease). Apparently its only .07 ounces heaver than the MP, but it felt like a pound more. I usually like a heavy racquet but I couldn’t feel a thing with this one, unlike the MP version. Ivan Ljubicic, Richard Gasquet and Victoria Azarenka use this racquet. Azarenka must be a very strong girl to swing this thing around. If you want a heavier racquet or are an advanced player, i.e. 4.5+ and above, try this one out, but I think most players should stay away or use the MP.
Babalot Pure Drive Roddick GT
Babalot Pure Drive Roddick GT — I actually like this stick a lot. With its heavy frame and easy handling at net, I found a lot of pop on my groundstrokes and serves. Only trouble is that I felt a bit of tennis elbow after playing with it for awhile. Plus when I really went for my shots, they tended to go well long with this stick meaning that I have to generate more control than I thought I would. I can see why Andy Roddick would do well with this racquet so bear in mind that’s it best for those who like to hit hard but with some spin now and then. But still, I like playing with it and will probably give it a few more tries before making my final decision.
Babalot Pure Drive GT Plus — Similar racquet to the Roddick Babalot except that it’s a bit lighter thus easier to handle. It’s a bit too light in weight for me, but excellent for those with competent groundstrokers. This is Kim Clijsters’s weapon so makes sense she would use it. Great racquet but probably not going to make it in the final round for me.
So there are my thoughts on these racquets. I will be trying out a few more in the next few weeks before I make my final decisions. If you have played with any of them, drop me a line and let me know your thoughts.
For more info on Head racquets, click here.
(This article has been updated from its original posting on AdjustingtheNet.com)
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