Any tennis players out there? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dtf · #1 03-06-2004, 01:01 PM

I currently have a Prince Thunder Light, purchased in 1998 and I like it but I think I need to upgrade based on my improvement playing. I want to stay with Prince rackets because I like the feel of the racket. I have been reading about the Prince Daiblo midsize plus and it seems right for me by the description for people who like to generate their own power. Any opinions on the diablo or any other brand racket. I am looking for something about 10.5 or less oz with at least 100 sq in. area.

Robert Mowbray · #2 03-06-2004, 07:41 PM

DTF,
As a long time tennis coach and player, my suggestion to you is to "DEMO" several racquets before purchasing one. Most pro shops have demo programs. It will cost you a few dollars per frame, but when you consider that you may pay $150-200, or more, a few bucks invested in a direct comparison of 3 to 5 racquets is money well spent. Some shops will deduct all or part of the money you've spent on demos toward the purchase price of the racquet. Pick up a copy of the new "Tennis" magazine for their racquet guide. Some of the advertisers in the back of the magazine also offer demos, as well as lower prices than your local pro shop. Realize as well, that demo frames usually have a grip size of 4 1/2", and if you have long fingers like I do, you'll need a 4 5/8' grip size, (or 4 3/8") for smaller hands. The type and tension of the string will also affect how the racquet plays. With all this to think about, and so many companies making so many different frames, you can always do whay my kids do..."Oh, that's a cool color, I think I'll get that one!!" Best of luck. OH! Check out www.epinions.com to see if anyone has posted how they like or dislike the racquet. Keep me informed. BOB

yal · #3 03-07-2004, 01:06 AM

I have always had a high regard for the Dunlop 200G's. Great intermediate raquet. But like Bob said definately try and demo one if you can. And at the intermediate level that you are in your game can vary a lot depending on something as simple as string tension strength.

dtf · #4 03-07-2004, 04:47 PM

I played last night and demo'd a Prince More Control, I liked it a lot. When I went back to the Thunderlite it felt clumsy and heavy. I can't find what the weight of the Thunderlite is online but it felt like 12.5 oz where the More control is about 11 oz. Makes a big difference. The beam on the More control is only 22 mm which I really liked. The Thunderlite is a 28 mm beam. By the way I would consider myself a 'budding' 4.0 NTRP, nothing special. Thanks for the input and suggestions.

savas · #5 03-08-2004, 12:00 PM

dtf - you may already know about this site?
-
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/

lots of info and opinions to help pick out what to demo.

It's a long process to get used to a new racquet. I demo every couples years but always end up sticking to my Yonex R-50 (from the late 80's) that I've used since high school.

dtanesq · #6 03-08-2004, 01:47 PM

George - do you play at the Bellevue Club?

savas · #7 03-08-2004, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dtanesq
George - do you play at the Bellevue Club?

No, I have been meaning to check it out. The facility looks great. Up until last summer I was playing mostly at the UW and Robinswood Tennis Center in Bellevue. Unfortunatly, I didn't play very much this winter. Do you belong to the Bellevue Club?