Category Archives: Racquets – New
New racquet introductions
Wilson Clash Tour
If you read the Wilson Clash 100 review there is not much to say about the Wilson Clash Tour in terms of graphics because it is exactly the same!
So we can go directly to the differences between the two models. The Tour does have the “word” tour on the racquet but little else in terms of racquet specifications and that is by design.
Typically a racquet will have some little tiny descriptions such as weight, head size, string pattern, etc. but these racquets have none of that. Wilson, with this racquet, wants the player to make all the decisions based on “feel, control, and power” and not be influenced by descriptors. As you might expect this model is a little heavier overall and in swing weight thus the “Tour” designation.
Our Wilson Clash and Clash Tour demo racquets are strung with Luxilon Natural Gut as the main string and Wilson Sensation Plus as the cross string. This combination should maximize the performance of the racquet.
Before we get to the specifications of the Tour model there is another slightly unusual design feature. The grip pallet is not molded onto the frame but is formed by the carbon fiber. This manufacturing technique does not allow for easy (seriously not easy) grip size and shape customization so be certain you get the grip size you need.
Take a look at the following data to see if you think this new concept is worth a try. Based on the feedback we are getting I would say yes, definatley!
| Manufacturer | Wilson |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Clash Tour |
| Reference Tension | 58 lbs - 26.3 kg |
| String | Luxilon 125 Gut =M Wilson Sensation Plus =X |
| Machine Used | True Tension Professional |
| ASPS, RDC | 51 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 63 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 47 - After stringing |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 25 |
| Racquet - In Plane Stiffness | 317 lbs/Inch |
| Weight, Grams | 328 |
| Weight, Ounces | 11.57 |
| Balance, mm | 318 |
| Balance, Inch | 12.52 |
| Length, Cm | 68.5 |
| Length, Inch | 27.0 |
| Head Width | 9.91 |
| Head Length | 12.89 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 647.3 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 100.3 |
| Number of Main Strings | 16 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 19 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .647 |
| Main String Grid | 7.68 |
| Cross String Grid | 10.44 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .799 |
| Average Cross String Space | .549 |
| Average Main String Space | .480 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 35 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 195.76 |
| First Moment, Nm | .822 |
| Polar Moment | 348 |
| Torsional Stability | 15 |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 329 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 11.6 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 341.8 |
| Power, RDC | 39 |
| Control, RDC | 64 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 65 |
| Power, Calculated | 1586.1 |
| Head Points | 7.87 |
| Head Weight, % | 46.4 |
| Center of Percussion | 21.7 |
| Dwell Time, ms | 8.91 |
| Efective Stiffness - lbs | 24.5 |
| K, Lb/In | 163.46 |
| Recoil Weight | 174.7 |
| Twist Weight | 247.8 |
| End Weight | 141.6 |
| Tip Weight | 195.0 |
| 9 O'Clock | 99.1 |
| 3 O'Clock | 96.9 |
| Butt Cap | 140.2 |
Wilson Clash 100
Once in a while words “fit”! Clash fits this new Wilson racquet because it disrupts the trend of “everything stiff”. Luckily this trend is dying and Wilson has, in my view, done a masterful job of expediting that demise with this concept.
Not only does this racquet look good it just feels good in the hand. It is light, maybe too light, but the brain detects something different about this racquet. We all know racquets are all about “the brain”!
In this review you may notice the addition of a couple of specifications. One is “Racquet – In Plane Stiffness”. This is the racquets resistance to”squeezing the sides together. The higher the number the more resistant (stiffer) the racquet is. Another addition to the review is the three (3) weights taken at the sides of the head and at the very bottom (butt cap) of the racquet. This very helpful when matching or customizing a racquet. so I thought we would include it.
Before this racquet is strung it has a noticeable “softness” which is expected given the 52 stiffness (Wilson is not using the defacto device, RDC, for their stiffness rating). However, after stringing, the racquet takes on a different “feel”. It is like the string is pulling all the material components together! I intend to hit with this racquet tomorrow so as right now I have no idea how it will feel.
To get the maximum from this racquet our demo is strung with Luxilon Natural Gut, 125 and the new Wilson Sensation Plus multi-filament with a “wear” wrap. This should be a great setup, so if you want to hit with the latest technology this is it!
For each racquet we do an “Accuracy Index”. This tells us how accurately the ball will come off the string bed when hit at different locations on the string bed. This racquet has an index of 97, which is very good, in the areas of the string bed that show the most failure (breakage). The overall string bed index of 94 is quite good and tells us that the string bed should produce as much accuracy as the players skill allows!
Take look at the following specifications to see if you agree with the player evaluations you may have read.
| Manufacturer | Wilson |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Clash 100 |
| Reference Tension | 58 lbs - 26.3 kg |
| String | Luxilon 125 Gut =M Wilson Sensation Plus =X |
| Machine Used | True Tension Professional |
| ASPS, RDC | 56 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 61.5 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 51 - After stringing |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 27 |
| Racquet - In Plane Stiffness | 317 lbs/Inch |
| Weight, Grams | 309 |
| Weight, Ounces | 10.90 |
| Balance, mm | 322 |
| Balance, Inch | 12.68 |
| Length, Cm | 68.5 |
| Length, Inch | 27.0 |
| Head Width | 9.92 |
| Head Length | 12.85 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 646.0 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 100.1 |
| Number of Main Strings | 16 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 19 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .650 |
| Main String Grid | 7.50 |
| Cross String Grid | 10.37 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .779 |
| Average Cross String Space | .547 |
| Average Main String Space | .469 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 37 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 206.94 |
| First Moment, Nm | .764 |
| Polar Moment | 321 |
| Torsional Stability | 15 |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 306 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 10.79 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 320.4 |
| Power, RDC | 34 |
| Control, RDC | 70 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 83 |
| Power, Calculated | 1562.7 |
| Head Points | 6.46 |
| Head Weight, % | 47.0% |
| Center of Percussion | 21.5 |
| Dwell Time, ms | 8.50 |
| Efective Stiffness - lbs | 26.7 |
| K, Lb/In | 179.49 |
| Recoil Weight | 155.9 |
| Twist Weight | 227.1 |
| End Weight | 126.8 |
| Tip Weight | 181.9 |
| 9 O'Clock | 94.0 |
| 3 O'Clock | 93.9 |
| Butt Cap | 119.9 |
Yonex VCore Pro 100
Yonex has done a brilliant job of updating the performance series with the new VCore, however, there is a Yonex series that has been around for a while and needs to be considered when thinking about a performance racquet, and that is the VCore Pro 100!
Yonex V-Core Pro
The VCore Pro 100 is the Yonex “legacy” performance racquet, much like the Head Prestige is for Head. The VCore Pro 100 is slightly stiffer than the 97 version which may contribute to a little more power. The weight of 300 grams offers a more maneuverable racquet for all court players.
The thin beam and flex fits the bill for those looking for a traditional feeling racquet but with technical materials and components. As with all the Yonex performance raquets this one is made in Japan and the consistency is top notch! This is important when choosing a racquet.
If you are considering a performance racquet you need to demo this one!
Weight: 316 (strung)
Swing Weight: 312 (strung)
Head Size: 100 square inch
Flex: 63 (RDC) (strung)
Length: 27.0 Inches
Beam: 21mm
Pattern: 16 x 19
Head Graphene 360 Extreme
If you can’t get by Racquet Quest to take a look at this exciting new racquet just take a look at this video!
The specifications will be posted here as soon as possible, but in the meantime…
Yonex VCore Series…Red…Hot!
The new Yonex VCore Series is Red and Hot!
Yonex has incorporated several of their best ideas into this VCore model series. Some may be easy to overlook but still yeild some performance enhncements, like the “straight hole” design which may allow more string movement and increased dwell time, like the “trench design” that tucks the grommet barrels into a trench to reduce drag, like “areo fin” placement to reduce drag, like “Namd” graphite that flex’s to increase dwell time and spin potential!
Wow! That is a lot of stuff to consider. The good thing is that you don’t need to think much about these things! Instead, go out and hit with one of the four (4) models, 100×280 gram, 100×300 gram, 98×285 gram, and 98×305 gram, and decide for yourself!
All of the racquets look the same so you will need to look for the “100 or 98” on the shaft and then look for the weight on the hoop right above the throat. There you will find the weight, balance, and length.
Most of the Yonex Performance racquets are made in Japan but this series includes the “Game” model that is made in China but adheres to the Yonex quality standards as far as I can tell. The “Game” is a lighter version (270 gram) of the same “look” and incorporates most of the design features of the other models.
The data that follows is for the Yonex VCore 100, 300 gram version. The other versions will follow!
| Manufacturer | Yonex |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Yonex VCore 100 - 300 |
| Reference Tension | 52 |
| String | Yonex Rexis 130 |
| Machine Used | True Tension Pro |
| APPS, RDC | 55.0 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 62.0 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 65 |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 52.5 |
| Weight, Grams | 318 |
| Weight, Ounces | 11.22 |
| Balance, mm | 328 |
| Balance, Inch | 12.91 |
| Length, Cm | 68.5 |
| Length, Inch | 26.986 |
| Head Width | 9.69 |
| Head Length | 12.83 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 645.8 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 100.7 |
| Number of Main Strings | 16 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 19 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .636 |
| Main String Grid | 7.10 |
| Cross String Grid | 9.75 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .729 |
| Average Cross String Space | .526 (the larger the number the more string movement) |
| Average Main String Space | .445 (the larger the number the more string movement) |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 35 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 195.76 |
| First Moment, Nm | .805 (sometimes referred to as PIck-Up Weight) |
| Polar Moment | 331 (rotation around the center axis) |
| Torsional Stability | 17 (the difference between polar moment and swing weight. Higher is better) |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 314 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 11.08 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 342 (mdd, from the butt cap) |
| Power, RDC | 48 |
| Control, RDC | 53 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 77 |
| Power, Calculated | 1992.3 |
| Head Points | 4.75 (negative number is head heavy) |
| Head Weight, % | 47.9% |
| Center of Percussion | 21.0 |
| Dwell Time, ms | 8.58 (no swing speed) |
| Effective Stiffness | 29.8 |
| K, Lb/In | 176.28 |
| Recoil Weight | 151.00 |
| Twist Weight | 223.48 |
You Have Been Waiting for These!
You may not know it but you have been waiting for these!
Head continues with thier anniversary edition parade! It seems twenty-five years is a good time to re-introduce the racquet(s) that made history then!
Head Radical 107
Head Radical 98 Limited Edition
The Head Radical 107 OS is a remake of the Andre Agassi racquet that is true to the characteristics of the era! Great weight, perfect flex, workable swingweight, a 18×19 string pattern, a 107 square inch head, and minimal graphics! This may be the purest example of a remake I have ever seen. It even comes with the rubber band vibration dampers Andre used!
The Head Radical 98 MP is the newer racquet geometry and 98 head size. The graphics reach back twenty-five years for the colors but the design is definately contemporary. Plus, this racquet accepts the Head Pro Player Cap System grommet set. Yes, that means you can turn this Radical into a “beast” just like the previous versions!
I will be posting all the specifications of both of these as soon as possible but they are in the shop so please come by and take a look, and feel, for yourself. These are limited edition racquets.
Head Graphene 360 Speed Pro
Head has introduced their new Speed Series, and it is here, yes, I men here, with some significant changes!
The most obvious and dramatic is the move toward a minimalist “look.” The graphics consist of black and white! Gone are the days of multi-colored Speed racquets.
As with many Head racquets, the graphics mimic the “SkiTip” angle as seen with the logo and white paint headed in the same angle.
Less obvious but no less important is the “360” designation that has replaced the “Touch” designation that was on the last series.
Players of the Speed series don’t want muted, as suggested by “Touch” they want feedback!
And, “360” suggests the use of Graphene in more areas of the racquet.
This image is the Graphene 360 Speed Pro, a highly maneuverable, flexible, (57RDC) racquet with an 18×20 string pattern. This may be the ticket for juniors that can’t handle a heavier, stiffer racquet but need the dense string pattern to mitigate string breakage. I would not recommend any stiff string in this racquet, however.
I am a little surprised by the low swing weight (306kg/cm2) but this can be increased as necessary.
| Manufacturer | Head |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Graphene 360 Speed Pro |
| Reference Tension | 55 |
| String | Head Velocity MLT 16 |
| Machine Used | True Tension Professional |
| APPS, RDC | 56 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 59.5 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 57 |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 46 |
| Weight, Grams | 323 |
| Weight, Ounces | 11.39 |
| Balance, mm | 323 |
| Balance, Inch | 12.72 |
| Length, Cm | 68.5 |
| Length, Inch | 27.0 |
| Head Width | 9.75 |
| Head Length | 13.12 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 648.4 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 100.5 |
| Number of Main Strings | 18 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 20 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .669 |
| Main String Grid | 7.70 |
| Cross String Grid | 10.25 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .784 |
| Average Cross String Space | .525 |
| Average Main String Space | .417 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 37 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 206.94 |
| First Moment, Nm | .802 |
| Polar Moment | 321 |
| Torsional Stability | 15 |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 306 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 10.79 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 337 |
| Power, RDC | 39 |
| Control, RDC | 63 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 83 |
| Power, Calculated | 1753.0 |
| Head Points | 6.14 |
| Head Weight, % | 47.2 |
| Center of Percussion | 20.7 |
| Dwell Time, ms | 8.50 |
| Efective Stiffness | 28.2 |
| K, Lb/In | 179.49 |
| Recoil Weight | 147.6 |
| Twist Weight | 229.75 |
Head MXG 1 and MXG 7 are Here!
The new additions to the Head MXG series have arrived and waiting for you!
The new MXG 1 is a 98 square inch head with ten (10) extra long main strings to deliver the power needed to hit massive topspin! The rigid throat piece maintains torsional stability so the massive topspin will go where you want it to go! According to Head;
“Designed like no other for those who play like no other: With MXG, the MXG 1 features the first racquet technology that combines precision-injected Magnesium and Graphene to provide the ultimate balance of power and control like no other racquet ever before. In addition, the MXG1, the heaviest of the series, provides ultimate stability to support players at each level to raise their game. Based on a completely new way to engineer a racquet, the racquet features an innovative Magnesium Bridge construction that allows for longer free-moving main strings which leads to a much larger sweet spot and, ultimately, more power. At the same time, the molded bridge ensures that the upper hoop does not deform under pressure, which gives the player total control on every shot. The MXG 1 is the perfect weapon for tour players who need extreme control.”
All of the data is posted here, but it is worth hitting with this racquet to see for yourself what power with control feels like.
The new Head MXG 7 is also here and deserves the attention of players now using or considering big headed racquets such as Weed, for example. The MXG 7 is 115 square inches of hitting power in a very easy to handle package. The ten (10) long main strings are at the ITF limit of 15.5 inches long, about the same as the Weed Open 135.
You can see all the specs here but you should really hit with this to see that you too can play with a “performance” racquet masquerading as a game improvement racquet!
New Head MXG 7
Head is introducing two (2) new racquets to the MXG Series, and this is an excellent thing in my opinion! It is not that we need a bunch of new racquets, but this signals a commitment to the MXG concept.
In case you don’t know, the MXG Series racquets incorporate a “string suspension system” (my words) into the throat of the racquet. The most notable of this system is the bright silver paint. However, the most important functions are the increase in main string length across the entire throat area and torsional stability that contributes to control of this 115 square inch racquet. We now have ten (10) main strings that are the same length in the throat. These 15.0 inch long main strings do contribute to “power”.
The Head MXG 7 has a slightly “fanned” pattern for the 16 x 18 string format and a built-in vibration damper in the throat. The MXG 7 will accept the Head Tennis Sensor.
The Head MXG 7 is a 115 +/- square inch head with a variable beam (28, 29, 26mm) that puts it in the “game improvement” category. You will see all the specifications below. If you are considering a new racquet and prefer power,”. this is a “must see.” Head has always done a good job in the game improvement category, and this adds a new dimension to the series.
Head MXG 7
The MXG 7 demo is here so call to reserve your spot!
The MXG 7 is available for pre-order and will be available May 11.
| Manufacturer | Head |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Head MXG 7 |
| Reference Tension | 57 |
| String | Head Velocity MLT 17 |
| Machine Used | True Tension Pro |
| APPS, RDC | 43.0 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 55.0 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 67 |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 50 |
| Weight, Grams | 282 |
| Weight, Ounces | 9.95 |
| Balance, mm | 370.0 |
| Balance, Inch | 14.57 |
| Length, Cm | 69.7 |
| Length, Inch | 27.44 |
| Head Width | 10.13 |
| Head Length | 14.75 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 756.7 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 118.8 |
| Number of Main Strings | 16 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 18 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .610 |
| Main String Grid | 8.56 |
| Cross String Grid | 11.31 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .793 |
| Average Cross String Space | .622 |
| Average Main String Space | .519 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 32 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 178.98 |
| First Moment, Nm | .830 |
| Polar Moment | 340.0 |
| Torsional Stability | 18 (the difference between polar moment and swing weight. Higher is better) |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 322 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 11.36 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 386.1 |
| Power, RDC | 59 |
| Control, RDC | 42 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 72 |
| Power, Calculated | 2631.7 (compare to 1996.9 for the MXG 1) |
| Head Points | -6.77 (negative = head heavy. See % below) |
| Head Weight, % | 53.1% |
| Center of Percussion | 20.6 |
| Dwell Time, ms | 9.70 |
| Effective Stiffness | 26.2 |
| K, Lb/In | 137.82 |
| Recoil Weight | 118.85 |
| Twist Weight | 215.2 |
New Head MXG 1
Head is introducing two (2) new racquets to the MXG Series, and this is an excellent thing in my opinion! It is not that we need a bunch of new racquets, but this signals a commitment to the MXG concept.
In case you don’t know, the MXG Series racquets incorporate a “string suspension system” (my words) into the throat of the racquet. The most notable of this system is the bright silver paint. However, the most important function(s) is the increase in main string length across the entire throat area and torsional stiffness for control. We now have ten (10) main strings that are the same length in the throat, and this does contribute to “power.”
The Head MXG 1 is a 98 square inch head with a thin beam (22mm) that puts it in the “player” category, but it may need additional weight for big hitters. You will see all the specifications below. If you are a player and have shied away from the MXG for head size reasons, this is for you!
Head MXG 1
The MXG 1 demo is available now. Call to reserve it!
The new MXG 1 is available for pre-order and will available May 11, 2018.
| Manufacturer | Head |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Head MXG 1 |
| Reference Tension | 53 |
| String | Head Velocity MLT 17 |
| Machine Used | True Tension Pro |
| APPS, RDC | 50.0 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 59.0 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 65 |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 48 |
| Weight, Grams | 312 |
| Weight, Ounces | 11.01 |
| Balance, mm | 319.0 |
| Balance, Inch | 12.56 |
| Length, Cm | 68.5 |
| Length, Inch | 26.986 |
| Head Width | 9.51 |
| Head Length | 13.50 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 649.9 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 100.7 |
| Number of Main Strings | 16 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 19 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .593 |
| Main String Grid | 7.20 |
| Cross String Grid | 9.37 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .658 |
| Average Cross String Space | .490 |
| Average Main String Space | .445 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 34 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 190.16 |
| First Moment, Nm | .762 |
| Polar Moment | 320.0 |
| Torsional Stability | 15 (the difference between polar moment and swing weight. Higher is better) |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 305 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 10.76 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 317.5 |
| Power, RDC | 51 |
| Control, RDC | 51 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 83 |
| Power, Calculated | 1996.9 |
| Head Points | 7.40 |
| Head Weight, % | 46.6% |
| Center of Percussion | 21.5 |
| Dwell Time, ms | 9.00 |
| Effective Stiffness | 28.3 |
| K, Lb/In | 160.26 |
| Recoil Weight | 157.54 |
| Twist Weight | 211.48 |
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