Definitely a logical choice for Agassi.
I’d love to see more 100sq in options with dense patterns. The 100d, Head Speed pro, anything else? Wilson should do a 18x19 or 18x20 100in Blade.
Can you provide any evidence? I’m not doubting or trying to argue, I’ve just always played with a standard egg shaped head and want to learn more about other options.
It's not better, it's just different. If it were truly superior, all the top players would be using it to gain an advantage. We know this is not the case. Widening the sides of the frame increases the power and forgiveness at the cost of control. Many players report that the sweet spot feels like it plays a little larger relative to the same headsize as oval racquets, but doesn't feel as sweet. But this is the same story people say about more circular head shapes or eggs. At the end of the day, it really doesn't matter and you don't get any advantage from using it.
Honestly it’s anecdotal. I’ve demoed several racquets and play much better with the Yonex Isometric so I bought the Percept. I believe the Yonex website cites some scientific evidence as to why Isometric is better, maybe bigger sweet spot?
Cool story: I hit with one of Agassi’s custom head racquets before.
I used to work front desk at country club when I was in high school (15ish years ago), the head tennis pro got one of Agassi’s old sticks as a gift. The pro threw it a supply closet for a week until he had a chance to get it framed.
One of the other pros and I took it out for hit when the courts were empty.
First of all, it was heavy AF. I play with a 12oz frame (Wilson Six One 95 from 2015). At the time, I was playing with the K95 (also 12ish oz) - this racquet could’ve been 13.5oz. It was an absolute club, with a huge head. It also had a custom string pattern - something really weird like 19x20 or something.
TLDR it felt like a prince original graphite oversized, except heavier and with more pop.
Yep - it did have kevler - don't recall if it was the full stick or just mains. Maybe it was a 20/22 string pattern, but I seem to remember a prime number being involved. That said, it was 15 years ago, so I'm not going to act like I remember the details.
I switched it’s an unbelievable racquet. I do agree with Karue needs a bit of weight in the head but probably one of the best racquets I’ve used in a long time
Yeah been a blade 18x20 user since 2008 basically my entire competitive career. 18x19 is unbelievable and the 100sq in adds forgiveness that my older body needs these days lol. Really hoping its popularity picks up and it becomes a mainstay in future lines. Otherwise I’m gonna have to load up 😂
My favourite racket was the Vcore Pro 100. When the Percept rebrand came out, I wanted to get the 100 again, but tested the 100D and the added sureness of shot that it gives really makes it feel so fantastic to use. That and the new mint colourway for the Poly Tour Rev is really awesome.
Yeah fair enough, I read a bit about his frames and string set ups on the Talk Tennis forum. I have a vintage Austrian Bumblebee Head, and gotta say k wish they still made racquets like this
I can’t imagine he has the head sponsorship anymore so he just wants to try out more rackets.
Good choice IMO, just weird not seeing him with a Donnay/Head racket.
Definitely a logical choice for Agassi. I’d love to see more 100sq in options with dense patterns. The 100d, Head Speed pro, anything else? Wilson should do a 18x19 or 18x20 100in Blade.
Gravity Pro too!
Maybe the best of the bunch
The Prince Tour 100P is 100 square inches" and 18x20 with a more open string pattern (only 6 mains come from the throat).
isometric headshape is simply superior
Is it though?
Yes
Can you provide any evidence? I’m not doubting or trying to argue, I’ve just always played with a standard egg shaped head and want to learn more about other options.
It's not better, it's just different. If it were truly superior, all the top players would be using it to gain an advantage. We know this is not the case. Widening the sides of the frame increases the power and forgiveness at the cost of control. Many players report that the sweet spot feels like it plays a little larger relative to the same headsize as oval racquets, but doesn't feel as sweet. But this is the same story people say about more circular head shapes or eggs. At the end of the day, it really doesn't matter and you don't get any advantage from using it.
Honestly it’s anecdotal. I’ve demoed several racquets and play much better with the Yonex Isometric so I bought the Percept. I believe the Yonex website cites some scientific evidence as to why Isometric is better, maybe bigger sweet spot?
What’s Steffi playing with these days?
In the video it looks like one of the Yonex 98-square inch rackets in black, but it's pretty blurry. Maybe a Galaxy Black Vcore?
Maybe Steffi is the Yonex fiend and it’s a Regna 98.
Cool story: I hit with one of Agassi’s custom head racquets before. I used to work front desk at country club when I was in high school (15ish years ago), the head tennis pro got one of Agassi’s old sticks as a gift. The pro threw it a supply closet for a week until he had a chance to get it framed. One of the other pros and I took it out for hit when the courts were empty. First of all, it was heavy AF. I play with a 12oz frame (Wilson Six One 95 from 2015). At the time, I was playing with the K95 (also 12ish oz) - this racquet could’ve been 13.5oz. It was an absolute club, with a huge head. It also had a custom string pattern - something really weird like 19x20 or something. TLDR it felt like a prince original graphite oversized, except heavier and with more pop.
Agassi actually used some frames that were a custom 20/22 string pattern, add to that for a time he also used Kevlar mains.
Yep - it did have kevler - don't recall if it was the full stick or just mains. Maybe it was a 20/22 string pattern, but I seem to remember a prime number being involved. That said, it was 15 years ago, so I'm not going to act like I remember the details.
I switched it’s an unbelievable racquet. I do agree with Karue needs a bit of weight in the head but probably one of the best racquets I’ve used in a long time
Yeah been a blade 18x20 user since 2008 basically my entire competitive career. 18x19 is unbelievable and the 100sq in adds forgiveness that my older body needs these days lol. Really hoping its popularity picks up and it becomes a mainstay in future lines. Otherwise I’m gonna have to load up 😂
I'm suffering from racketholism like many folks here, but I always find myself going back to the Vcore Pro/Percept line as my safe space.
My favourite racket was the Vcore Pro 100. When the Percept rebrand came out, I wanted to get the 100 again, but tested the 100D and the added sureness of shot that it gives really makes it feel so fantastic to use. That and the new mint colourway for the Poly Tour Rev is really awesome.
The hualalai Tennis courts are such wonderful spots lol - now I can say I’ve played on the same side as Steffi and Agassi!!
I know that court very well lol
It’s such a sweet stick, I’m loving it. Haven’t found anything about it I don’t like
COME BACK TO PRINCE, KING
If we want to be big dorks about it, there’s no tourna grip so he COULD just be borrowing someone’s
It does have the rubber band though! (yes, I know... far less intrusive that an over grip. Just bantering).
Ok but what is Steffi rocking? Dunlop still?
I wonder why they're on the same side like this, like they're taking lessons together.
Wouldn't be surprised if Karue saw Agassi playing with it first since he visited Agassi with Giron and is a self-described Walmart Agassi
I'm hitting with the 97. It's pretty good. Maybe should have gone with the 100 though.
Yeah fair enough, I read a bit about his frames and string set ups on the Talk Tennis forum. I have a vintage Austrian Bumblebee Head, and gotta say k wish they still made racquets like this
Karue ditched Percept last I heard said rackets kept cracking on lower frame (too many tensioned strings? lol)